Generating a courier shipping label or the like, including an ornamental graphic design, at a non-courier printer

ABSTRACT

A digital electrical computer apparatus located at an order center is used to control shipping a product from a remotely located distribution center. A method includes the steps of: producing output electrical signals representing a packing list for an order of a product by causing an ordering apparatus located at an order center to change input digital electrical signals into the output digital electrical signals, the ordering apparatus including a digital electrical computer having a processor, the processor electrically connected to a memory device for storing and retrieving machine-readable signals in the memory device, to an input device for receiving input data and converting the input data into the input electrical signals, and to an output device for receiving the output electrical signals, and wherein the processor is controlled by a computer program to implement the step of producing; assigning shipping information signals to the order with a digital electrical computer shipping apparatus; linking, by digital communication, the signals representing the packing list with the shipping information signals; transmitting signals representing the packing list and the shipping information signals to, and receiving the signals representing the packing list and the shipping information signals at, a printer device at a distribution center located remotely from the order center and from the digital electrical computer shipping apparatus; printing the packing list and a shipping label at the printer device at the distribution center; and shipping the product, along with the shipping label, from the distribution center.

I. COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to a statutory fair use of this material, as it appearsin the files of the files or records of the U. S. Patent and TrademarkOffice, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention concerns a digital electrical apparatus, methods,articles of manufacture, and data structures involving the same, appliedto the field of shipment and product production and transportation. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a digital computer controlsystem located at an ordering center for shipping product from aremotely located distribution center. Even more particularly, thecomputer control system handles orders received from various consumerordering system and coordinates with financial institution and couriercomputer systems to carry out the delivery of product preferablymanufactured at a distribution center. Efficient communications areeffectuated over a communications system utilizing an open end networkgateway, TCP/IP lines, and local servers.

[0003] Still more particularly the present invention is directed towardgraphic ornamentation of a courier label, packing list, or the like thatis computer-generated preferably at a shipper's location (such as adistribution center), e.g., by using shipping label data assignedby/from a carrier computer.

III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In order to teach a preferred embodiment of the present inventionby way of an example, the following disclosure is directed to the saleof flowers, though the same can be said about many other such areas ofcommerce.

[0005] Have you recently tried to order a dozen roses? It is expensive.As of today, FTD is charging a total cost of about $65. Why is the costso high? Generally, there are lots of players in the production anddistribution chain.

[0006] Consider the following. A grower produces the flowers at alocation that could be almost anywhere in the country. (Foreignproduction has added importation problems.) A transportation companymoves harvested flowers from the grower to a wholesaler's warehouse,usually in a refrigerated truck. The wholesaler usually amalgamatesflowers from several growers to build a warehouse inventory to supplyorders. Private trucking companies or couriers are used to ship theflowers from the wholesaler's warehouse to retail flower shops, whichalso could be almost anywhere in a particular country. Superimposed onthis retail chain is a series of order clearinghouses, such as FTD,Interflora, 1-800-flowers, or the like. These companies route consumer'sorders to local florists to carry out a local delivery—usually by anemployee of the local flower shop. Often a greeting card, ribbons,candy, etc. produced by respective manufacturers is (are) conveyed alongwith the flowers. The clearinghouse (or referring floral store) handlesthe bill for the flower sale, and the money is distributed to others,one way or another, in the distribution chain. However, even to a chargecard company like American Express can take a cut from the sale.

[0007] Here is an approximate cost breakdown: the people who receive theorders—either the referring local flower shop or theclearinghouse—receives about 20% of the sale price: 10% goes to thegrower, 10% goes to shipping, 5% goes to miscellaneous e.g., AmericanExpress) and 55% goes to the retail florist that actually delivered theproduct. It is no wonder that the price for a dozen roses from FTD isabout $65. The approach of the prior art is many things, but itcertainly is not an efficient system.

[0008] The primary problem with this approach is that the product thatis being delivered must pass through many intermediaries, each of whichtakes a profit and has a cost for overhead for some period of time.Additionally, the flowers are usually 3-6 days old by the time they aredelivered to the consumer—a serious problem because most of thetransportation is not refrigerated and the goods are highly perishable.

[0009] In sum, prior to the present invention, there existed alabor-intensive system with many intermediaries for delivering oldflowers and other such products to consumers.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus,method, and article of manufacture involving a digital electricalcomputer apparatus located at an order center for shipping a productfrom a remotely located distribution center by steps including:assigning shipping information signals to the consumer order; linking,by digital communication, the signals a packing list with the shippinginformation signals; printing the packing list and the shippinginformation signals at a printer at a distribution center; and shippingthe product, along with the shipping label, from the distributioncenter.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involvingcomputer-implemented conveyance of a consumer-composed element, such asa greeting card, from the ordering center to the distribution center forprinting and shipment along with the shipping label, at the printingdevice at the distribution center.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involving distributionfrom the location where the product was produced, e.g., the growershipping flowers directly to the consumer.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involving use of a sheetfor the printing at the local distribution center, the sheet havingdemarcations, preferably perforations, such that the packing list,shipping label, and greeting card (even with preprinted artwork and theconsumer customizable message, words, a graphical element, etc.) can beconveniently separated.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involving dynamicallyassigning the shipping and other information signals through a TCP/IPconnection, and preferably via an open end or front end network gateway

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involving efficientcommunications with a fax modem in a local calling area of thedistribution center and/or a remote fax server for a subsequenttransmitting over the communications system to a fax machine as theprinting device at the distribution center.

[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involving translating atthe ordering apparatus to produce the signals representing the packinglist, the shipping list, and the consumer customizable element in onedigital format.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involving associating anorder code signals with each said consumer order at the orderingapparatus, obtaining shipping status information signals from thedigital electrical computer shipping system, and combining these signalsat a machine-readable site having an address for access by a consumer'sdigital electrical computer—and preferably providing notice of theaddress by printing it on such locations as the packaging for theproduct.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide anapparatus, method, and article of manufacture involving an order centercapable of receiving orders from a consumer computer and/or a telephone.

[0019] These and other objects evident in contrasting the prior art withthe present invention are addressed by providing a revolutionarydistribution technology that enables centralized control of remoteshipping—preferably from the site of the grower or analogous productproducer. The system is faster and less expensive because there arefewer intermediaries and significant digital operations. The result is afaster and more efficient system.

[0020] This example of the invention has a communications system thatcan include a telephone system, and preferably an open or front endnetwork gateway system such as the Internet and TCP/IP communications,and more preferably local fax servers. The communications system is usedby a consumer ordering system, such as a computer or a telephone, tocommunicate an order to an order center computer system. The ordercenter computer system communicates over the communications systems withcomputer systems of a courier and a financial institution, as well as toa printer device at a remotely located distribution center. The printerdevice can be as simple as a fax machine, preferably loaded with specialpaper easily dividable into portions including a packing list, ashipping label, and a consumer composed element, such as a message,graphical element, or the like.

[0021] By utilizing this system, the ordering center can receive theorder, obtain information for generating a shipping label, and trigger acourier vehicle to go to the distribution center to pick up a shipment.The shipping label, packing list, and consumer-composed communicationare translated into the same digital format and efficiently conveyed tothe distribution center printing device. Printing at the device signalsthose at the distribution center (e.g., flower grower) to packageflowers according to the packaging label, package them with suitablepackaging in a box with the consumer-composed greeting card message, andattach the shipping label to the box. (Preferably, the product isproduced in response to a consumer order, thereby minimizing waste andstorage.) The courier picks up the box and delivers it the next morningto the consumer.

[0022] The result is a faster delivery (next day rather than 3-6 days),resulting in fresher product and less inventory. Another result is fewerintermediaries, so the cost of production and delivery is reduced. Theconsumer-composed message permits delivery of something individuallycustomized and fulfilled just for the recipient. If there is any concernabout the delivery, a consumer can use a computer/telephone accessiblestatus location (e.g., Internet address) to immediately determine thestatus of an order. Billing is efficiently handled because a pick-up bythe courier is communicated to the courier shipping system, and in turnto the order center system, resulting in automatic billing to thefinancial institution computer system.

[0023] It is, therefore, respectfully submitted that the presentinvention provides an improvement over the prior art that brought thepublic a dozen roses for $65 for much less.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is an illustration of elements of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a sheet structured and configured forprinting in accordance with the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram example.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a task flow diagram for purchasing flowers.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a site overview diagram.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a physical overview diagram.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a navigation overview.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a general frameset overview diagram.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a detailed frameset overview diagram.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a home page illustration.

[0034]FIG. 11 is a shopping logic flow diagram.

[0035]FIG. 12 is an ordering process logic flow diagram.

[0036]FIG. 13 is a shop by occasion screen.

[0037]FIG. 14 is an arrangement detail screen.

[0038]FIG. 15 is a customer identify screen.

[0039]FIG. 16 is a customer identify error screen.

[0040]FIG. 17 is a select recipient screen.

[0041]FIG. 18 is a recipient information screen.

[0042]FIG. 19 is a billing information screen.

[0043]FIG. 20 is an order summary screen.

[0044]FIG. 21 is a logic flow chart.

[0045]FIG. 22 is an order confirmed screen.

[0046]FIG. 23 is an about proflowers.com screen.

[0047]FIG. 24 is a flower care screen.

[0048]FIG. 25 is a flower guide screen.

[0049]FIG. 26 is a logic flow diagram.

[0050]FIG. 27 is a view order (identify order) screen.

[0051]FIG. 28 is a view order (order summary) screen.

[0052]FIG. 29 is a cancel order review screen.

[0053]FIG. 30 is a cancel order confirmed screen.

[0054]FIG. 31 is a modify billing screen.

[0055]FIG. 32 is a modify billing information screen.

[0056]FIG. 33 is a modify billing (confirmed) screen.

[0057]FIG. 34 is a contact proflowers.com screen.

[0058]FIG. 35 is a contact confirmed screen.

[0059]FIG. 36 is a reminder service screen.

[0060]FIG. 37 is a reminder service (modify) screen.

[0061]FIG. 38 is a reminders confirmed screen.

[0062]FIG. 39 is a contest entry screen.

[0063]FIG. 40 is a contest entry confirmed screen.

[0064]FIG. 41 is a customer affiliates information screen.

[0065]FIG. 42 is an illustration of a representative courier shippinglabel including an ornamental graphic design.

[0066]FIG. 43 is an illustration of representative printing, includingfor a greeting card, for a packing list, and for a courier shippinglabel including respective ornamental graphic designs.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Turning now to FIG. 1, an overview of the invention isillustrated using flower production and delivery as a general example ofa production and shipping System 1 suitable for many other suchproducts.

[0068] Operation of the invention begins with the consumer calling infrom anywhere on the world or otherwise placing an order generallycharacterized in FIG. 1 as Consumer Ordering Systems 2. ConsumerOrdering Systems 2 is represented with two components: Component 2A and2B. Component 2A shows a Computer 4 that includes a Microprocessor 6controlled by a Computer Program 10. The Computer 4 is also connected toa Keyboard 8 and Monitor 9 to allow entry of data and information intothe computer to convert the data and information into electrical signalsper subsequent communications. Of course, an equivalent approach wouldbe to use a dumb terminal or other input device to an open end networkgateway (e.g., TV via cable).

[0069] Alternatively, Consumer Ordering Systems 2 can be carried with aTelephone 11 as shown in Component 2B. In either case of 2A or 2B aconsumer can place an Order 12 by connecting either the Computer Systemof 2A or the Telephone 11 of 2B to a Communications System 14, includingfor example a telephone network. The Communications System 14 alsopreferably includes a Front End or Open End Network Gateway 16 (or aplurality thereof), for example, the Internet. Accordingly, a consumerOrder 12 is received by the Communication System 14 and perhaps the OpenEnd Network Gateway 16 for further communication, for example, to anOrder Center System 26.

[0070] Order Center System 26 receives a communication preferably by aTCP/IP 18 Communication, which is a preferred embodiment. At the OrderCenter System 26 there is shown a Computer 22 that also has a respectiveProcessor 24 controlled by a Computer Program 26. The Computer 22 iselectrically connected to Keyboard 28 and to Monitor 23 so that at OrderCenter System 26 information can be entered at the Keyboard 28 andconverted into electrical signals for processing and transforming in theComputer 22 and displayed on the Monitor 23. Communications can comefrom the Communication System 14 to the Order Center System 26 orcommunications can go from the Order Center System 26 to theCommunication System 14.

[0071] Also shown in FIG. 1 is a Financial Institution System 33.Financial Institution System 33 includes its respective Computer 32which has a Processor 36 controlled by a Computer Program 34. Itrespectively is connected to its own Keyboard 38 and Monitor 39 to forma system having analogous components to those described of the OrderCenter System 26. Mastercard and American Express computer operationsare representative of such systems.

[0072] Also shown in FIG. 1 is a Computer Shipping System 41 whichincludes its respective Computer 40 having its respective Microprocessor44 controlled by its respective Computer Program 42 and the Computer 40is electrically connected to Keyboard 46 and Monitor 47. In like mannerto that which has been discussed above, information can be entered atthe Keyboard 46 for being converted into electrical signals forprocessing by the Computer 40 and for display on the Monitor 47. FederalExpress and UPS computer operations are representative of such systems.

[0073] Order Center System 26 and Financial Institution System 33 andCourier Shipping System 44 each can communicate and be linkedindividually or collectively to Communication System 14, preferably by aTCP/IP 18 connection.

[0074] The Order Center System 26 assigns the Consumer Order 12intelligently to the correct Distribution Center System 51—preferablythere are multiple Distribution Center Systems 51 and an incomingConsumer Order 12 is assigned by the Order Center System 26 to theappropriate Distribution Center System 51 by using such factors asprice, inventory, product quality, geographical location, and indeed anyother factors that may be desirable. The Order Center System 26 “knows”this information because it is received, preferably by computercommunication from a digital electrical computer system (not shown inFIG. 1) at the respective Distribution Center Systems 51. Thisinformation is organized into a database of Distribution Center Systems51.

[0075] Also shown in FIG. 1 is a Fax Server 20 which additionally whichadditionally is preferably a TCP/IP 18 connection between CommunicationSystem 14 and Fax Server 20. Fax Server 20 communicates to aDistribution Center System 51 which is the location for producing aproduct to be shipped as represented in FIG. 1 by Flowers 48. Also shownin Distribution Center System 51 is a Printing Device 50, for example afax machine, and shown in FIG. 1 being produced by the Fax machine inresponse to a communication from the Fax Server 20 is Sheet 52 which hasthree components: 54, 56, and 58, each divided by perforated lines shownas 57. The components 54, 56, and 58 include a Packing List 58, aCustomizable Component 56 and a Shipping Sheet or label, for example aFederal Express label, 54.

[0076] The product is preferably produced at the Distribution CenterSystem 51, for example, Flowers 48 are grown at the Distribution CenterSystem 51. In response to an order printed on Sheet 52, the Flowers 48are harvested and located inside a Box 60 with packaging 64 including acoolant and insulation and such other packaging as may be suitable forthe product. The Sheet 52 is separated at Perforations 57, andpreferably a consumer customizable message 56 (such as a personalmessage or graphical image) is located within the Box 60 with thePackaging 64 and the Product 48. The Shipping Label 54 is located on theoutside of the Box 60, and the Packing List 58 is retained by theDistribution Center System 51.

[0077] Printed on the exterior of Box 60 is a notice for obtaining orderstatus information, such as an address on the Open End Network Gateway16, for example, an Internet address (e.g., beginning with HTTP). Theaddress is useful for informing those in the overall process of how toreach a web page provided by the Order Center System 26.

[0078] Also shown on FIG. 1 is a communications arrow, also preferably aTCP/IP 18 communications link between Communication System 14 andCourier Remote System 67. This allows the Courier Shipping System 41 tocommunicate via Communication System 14 to the Courier Remote System 67.Courier Remote System 67 includes a Vehicle 68, for example a FederalExpress truck, equipped with scanning equipment. Courier Remote System67 may also include such other transportation systems as may benecessary, for example an Airplane 70. In carrying out an order aVehicle 68 would go to the Distribution Center System 51 to pick up aBox 60. It will use the scanning equipment to scan the Order 54 into theCourier Remote System 67 for later communication back to the CourierShipping System 41. The Courier Remote System 67 then facilitiestransportation of the Box 60 from the Distribution Center System 51 toan ultimate recipient in FIG. 1., for example as Recipient 72 orRecipient 74 or even the recipient being the location of the ConsumerOrdering System 2.

[0079] To illustrate how the System 1 is used to implement an order moregenerally, a Consumer Order 12 is placed via one of the ConsumerOrdering Systems 2A or 2B to the Communication System 14 and preferablyto the Open End Network Gateway 16 for relay onto the TCP/IP 18connection to the Order Center System 26 for processing as is laterdiscussed herein.

[0080] The Order Center System 26 generates a communication via TCP/IP18 to the Communication System 14 to the Fax Server 20 to theDistribution Center System 51 and more particularly to Printing Device50 which generates the Sheet 52. Additionally, Order Center System 26communicates via the Communication System 14 to exchange financialinformation to carry out the order with Financial Institution System 33.Further, Order Center System 26 communicates via Communication System 14to the Courier Shipping System 41 to organize and carry out the shippingaspects of System 1, which includes the Truck 68 picking up the Box 60and transporting Box 60 to a Recipient, for example 72.

[0081] Turing now to FIG. 2, a representative Sheet 52 is provided toillustrate the three components: 54, 56, and 58, each divided byperforated lines shown as 57. The components 54, 56, and 58 include aPacking List 58, a Customizable Component 56, and a Shipping Sheet, forexample a Federal Express label, 54.

[0082] Note that a Shipping Sheet 54 or label is being utilized here inan expansive sense, not be limited to a printed label with an adhesiveback, but also including a sheet of the sort used in a plastic window,as conventionally represented by the approach of Federal Express. Alsoencompassed by present invention is the use of a sheet, label, orprinting on the packaging or box to uniquely identify the package, andthe computer(s) recognize the package and electronically associateshipping instructions with the package, sheet, label, etc.

[0083] To summarize, the invention can be considered a method of making(and product produced and shipped thereby), a method of using, anapparatus, and resulting data structures, or even a combination ofmachines and a product article of manufacture for use in the method.Representatively, the invention can be viewed as a broad method forusing a digital electrical computer apparatus located at an order centerfor shipping a product from a remotely located distribution center, themethod including the steps of: producing output electrical signalsrepresenting a packing list for a consumer order of a product by causingan ordering apparatus located at an order center to change input digitalelectrical signals into the output digital electrical signals, theordering apparatus including a digital electrical computer having aprocessor, the processor electrically connected to a memory device forstoring and retrieving machine-readable signals in the memory device, toan input device for receiving input data and converting the input datainto the input electrical signals, and to an output device for receivingthe output electrical signals, and wherein the processor is controlledby a computer program to implement the step of producing; assigningshipping information signals to the consumer order with a digitalelectrical computer shipping apparatus; linking, by digitalcommunication, the signals representing the packing list with theshipping information signals; transmitting signals representing thepacking list and the shipping information signals to, and receiving thesignals representing the packing list and the shipping informationsignals at, a printer device at a distribution center located remotelyfrom the order center and from the digital electrical computer shippingapparatus; printing the packing list and a shipping label at the printerdevice at the distribution center; and shipping the product, along withthe shipping label, from the distribution center.

[0084] This broad method can further include the step of: entering moreof the input data at the input device to produce more of the outputelectrical signals including signals representing a consumer-composedelement; and wherein the step of linking includes linking, by digitalcommunication, the signals representing the packing list with thesignals representing the consumer-composed element; the step oftransmitting includes transmitting the signals representingconsumer-composed element, along with the shipping information signals,to the printer device at the distribution center; the step of printingincludes printing the consumer-composed element, along with the packinglist and the shipping label, at the printing device at the distributioncenter; and the step of shipping is carried out by shipping theconsumer-composed element, along with the product and the shippinginformation, from the distribution center.

[0085] The broad method can also be viewed, as regards the step ofgenerating output electrical signals representing the packing list forthe consumer order of a product is carried out by using flowers as theproduct, such that the step of printing the shipping label and thepacking list from the electrical signals is carried out printing thepacking list identifying the flowers, and such that the step of shippingis carried out by shipping the flowers and the shipping information,from the distribution center. Preferably the method is carried out bygrowing the flowers at the distribution center.

[0086] In the broad method, the step of printing can include printing ona sheet in the printer device; and further including the step of:locating demarcations on the sheet in the printer device to detach thepacking list from the shipping label. Preferably the demarcationsinclude perforations, such that the step of detaching includes detachingby tearing the sheet at the perforations.

[0087] The broad method can also be carried out including the steps of:entering more of the input data at the input device to produce more ofthe output electrical signals representing a consumer-composed messageto a recipient of the flowers; the step of linking includes linking, bydigital communication, the signals representing packing list with thesignals representing the consumer-composed element; the step oftransmitting includes transmitting the signals representingconsumer-composed element, along with the shipping information signals,to the printer device at the distribution center; the step of printingincludes printing the consumer-composed element, along with the packinglist and the shipping label, at the printing device at the distributioncenter; and the step of shipping is carried out by shipping theconsumer-composed element, along with the product and the shippinginformation, from the distribution center.

[0088] Moreover, the step of printing can include printing the messageon a greeting card having preprinted artwork. Further, the step ofprinting can include printing on a sheet in the printer device; andfurther including the step of locating a sheet in the printer, the sheetincluding a greeting card having preprinted artwork and demarcations fordetaching the greeting card from the packing list and the shippinglabel; and wherein the step of shipping includes separating thepackaging list, the shipping information, and the greeting card bytearing the sheet at the demarcations.

[0089] Preferably the method is carried out so that the step ofassigning the shipping information signals includes dynamicallyassigning the shipping information signals through a TCP/IP connection.Also, prior to the step of transmitting, preferably the method includestranslating at the ordering apparatus to produce the signalsrepresenting the packing list and the shipping list signals in onedigital format. With further regard to the method, the steps oftransmitting and printing can be carried out with the printing devicebeing a fax machine; and further including the step of connecting thefax machine to a communications system for the receiving of the signalsrepresenting the packing list and the shipping information signals.

[0090] Also preferable is to carry out the step of transmitting byincluding transmitting via an open end network gateway to a remote faxserver for a subsequent transmitting over the communications system tothe fax machine. Similarly, it can be suitable to carry out the step oftransmitting by including transmitting to a remote fax server with a faxmodem in a local calling area of the distribution center for asubsequent transmitting to over the communications system to the faxmachine.

[0091] In a general case, the broad method can further include the stepsof: associating an order code signals with each said consumer order atthe ordering apparatus; obtaining shipping status information signalsfrom the digital electrical computer shipping system; and combining theorder code signals with the status information signals at amachine-readable site having a network gateway address for access by aconsumer's digital electrical computer.

[0092] For keeping those involved well-informed, the method can furtherinclude the step of printing an network gateway address on publiclydistributed notices, such as packaging for the product to facilitate anelectronic communication from a consumer's digital electrical computerto the order center. This idea works out well in conjunction with makingthe processor electrically connected to the input device by electricallyconnecting the input device to a consumer computer, and electricallyconnecting the consumer computer to an network gateway, and electricallyconnecting the network gateway to the processor.

[0093] Still, traditional technology must be accommodated. Thus, themethod can be carried out by providing telephones at the order centerfor receiving acoustic ordering information for use as the input data.

[0094] Over all, it is preferable to carry out any of the foregoingviews of the invention by producing the product at the distributioncenter. This adds to the efficiency from utilizing the step of printingthat includes printing on a sheet in the printer device; and furtherincluding the step of locating demarcations on a sheet in the printerdevice to detach the packing list and the shipping label—preferably alsowith the demarcations including perforations to detach the packing listfrom the shipping label. Even more preferably is to carry out the methodby further including the steps of: entering more of the input data atthe input device to produce more of the output electrical signalsrepresenting a customizable—preferably consumer-composed—message to arecipient of the product; the step of linking includes linking, bydigital communication, the signals representing packing list with thesignals representing the consumer-composed element; the step oftransmitting includes transmitting the signals representingconsumer-composed element, along with the shipping information signals,to the printer device at the distribution center; the step of printingincludes printing the consumer-composed element, along with the packinglist and the shipping label, at the printing device at the distributioncenter; and the step of shipping is carried out by shipping theconsumer-composed element, along with the product and the shippinginformation, from the distribution center. In this way, the step ofprinting can include printing the message on a greeting card. Betterstill is to have the step of printing carried out by locating a sheet inthe printer, the sheet including a greeting card for the message andhaving preprinted artwork and demarcations for detaching the greetingcard from the packing list and the shipping label; and wherein the stepof shipping includes separating the packaging list, the shippinginformation, and the greeting card by tearing the sheet at thedemarcations. More ideally is to have the step of printing includeprinting a graphical element as part of the consumer-composed message.This can be accomplished by further including the step of: prior to thestep of transmitting, translating at the ordering apparatus to producethe signals representing the packing list and the shipping list signalsin one digital format.

[0095] Speed is improved by carrying out the method wherein the step ofassigning the shipping information signals includes dynamicallyassigning the shipping information signals through a TCP/IP connection.Cost is also reduced by carrying out the method, wherein the steps oftransmitting and printing are carried out with the printing device beinga fax machine; and further including the step of connecting the faxmachine to a communications system for the receiving of the signalsrepresenting the packing list and the shipping information signals. Thismay involve having the step of transmitting include transmitting via anetwork gateway to a remote fax server for a subsequent transmittingover the communications system to the fax machine. Another approach ishaving the step of transmitting include transmitting to a remote faxserver with a fax modem in a local calling area of the distributioncenter for a subsequent transmitting to over the communications systemto the fax machine.

[0096] To put status information in the hands of consumers, the methodcan be carried out by associating an order code signals with each saidconsumer order at the ordering apparatus; obtaining shipping statusinformation signals from the digital electrical computer shippingsystem; and combining the order code signals with the status informationsignals at a machine-readable site having a gateway address for accessby a consumer's digital electrical computer. Again, information can bedistributed or publicized by printing a network gateway address onpackaging for the product to facilitate an electronic communication froma consumer's digital electrical computer to the order center.

[0097] Thus, orders can be placed so that (1) the step of producingincludes:

[0098] making the processor electrically connected to the input deviceby electrically connecting the input device to a consumer computer, andelectrically connecting the consumer computer to a network gateway, andelectrically connecting the network gateway to the processor; and/or (2)by providing telephones at the order center for receiving acousticordering information for use as the input data.

[0099] Billing aspects of the invention can be viewed as the methodfurther including the steps of: verifying charge card availability topay for the product by an electrical communication from the digitalelectrical computer ordering apparatus to a charge card digitalelectrical computer system prior to shipping the product; and processingthe shipping information to trigger a second electronic communication tothe charge card digital electrical computer system charging the paymentto the charge card subsequent to the shipping the product.

[0100] As to shipping, the method can be carried out so that the step ofcommunicating data representing the shipping information to the digitalelectrical computer apparatus at the order center includes: scanning theshipping label to obtain scanning data; and transmitting the scanningdata to the digital electrical computer apparatus at the order centerfor processing the shipping information to trigger the charging of thecharge card.

[0101] The foregoing technical discussion of the invention has referredto a “method” as representative of the apparatus, method of making,product produced by the method, data structures, articles ofmanufacture, and necessary intermediates. To illustrate that anapparatus characterization is also valid for teaching how to make anduse the invention, consider the invention as including an apparatuscomprising: an ordering apparatus located at an order center, theordering apparatus including a digital electrical computer having aprocessor, the processor electrically connected to a memory device forstoring and retrieving operations including machine-readable signals inthe memory device, to an input device for receiving input data andconverting the input data into input electrical signals, to an outputdevice for converting output electrical signals into output, theprocessor controlled by a computer program to the produce circuitryconnections in the processor in producing the output electrical signalsfrom the input electrical signals, including generating output signalsrepresenting a packing list for a consumer order of a product from theinput data entered at the input device; a digital electrical computershipping system controlled by a program to assign shipping informationto the consumer order; a communications system for transmitting theelectrical signals representing the packing list and the shippinginformation signals; a printer device at a distribution center locatedremotely from the ordering center and from the shipping system forreceiving the signals representing the packing list and the shippinginformation signals, and for printing a packing list and a shippinglabel from the signals representing the packing list and the shippinginformation signals; and packaging for the product and the shippinginformation, combined for shipment from the distribution center.

[0102] Viewing the invention as a method for making an apparatus, themethod includes the steps of: providing an ordering apparatus located atan order center, the ordering apparatus including a digital electricalcomputer having a processor, the processor electrically connected to amemory device for storing and retrieving operations includingmachine-readable signals in the memory device, to an input device forreceiving input data and converting the input data into input electricalsignals, to an output device for converting output electrical signalsinto output, the processor controlled by a computer program to theproduce circuitry connections in the processor in producing the outputelectrical signals from the input electrical signals, includinggenerating output signals representing a packing list for a consumerorder of a product from the input data entered at the input device;providing a digital electrical computer shipping system controlled by aprogram to assign shipping information to the consumer order; linkingthe ordering apparatus and the shipping system to a communicationssystem for transmitting the electrical signals representing the packinglist and the shipping information signals; linking a printer device tothe communications system at a distribution center located remotely fromthe ordering center and from the shipping system for receiving thesignals representing the packing list and the shipping informationsignals, and for printing a packing list and a shipping label from thesignals representing the packing list and the shipping informationsignals; and shipping the product and the shipping information, from thedistribution center.

[0103] With more particular regard to using the invention, the userscreens shown in the figures are self-explanatory.

[0104] With more particular regard to making the invention, thefollowing specifications can be utilized, particularly with reference tothe figure numbers referenced below.

[0105] Document Conventions

[0106] This document presents the user definitions, the tasks analyses,and descriptions of the design one screen at a time.

[0107] The user definition describes particular user types with respectto their tasks and responsibilities.

[0108] The task analyses describes the task flow for the various tasks.These analyses include descriptions of the tasks and diagramsillustrating the work flow, independent of the existing technology.These task flows indicate the flow of work and use of work objects.

[0109] The screens are presented in the following manner:

[0110] Brief Overview of Function

[0111] A short description of the task the user intends to perform.

[0112] Page Design

[0113] A graphical illustration of the page design. Optional oralternative design ideas are typically presented here as well.

[0114] Flow Chart of Screen

[0115] A logic diagram of the task or page including all non-standardbehaviors. These flow diagrams typically do not describe alternativedesign ideas.

[0116] Textual Description of the Controls

[0117] Text describing each control in the interface. Optional oralternative design ideas are typically discussed here as well.

[0118] Questions or Issues to Resolve

[0119] These are questions and issues, which are, as yet, unresolved andmay wait until a later date to be addressed.

[0120] Standards

[0121] The design utilizes controls and conventions that are supportedin all Mozilla/2.0 compliant browsers. Please refer to the Conventionsportion of the Interface Design section for a more detailed description.

[0122] Terminology

[0123] The terminology used in the design is subject to change based onuser feedback during the usability testing. However, the terminologyused in this design document will likely remain as described.

[0124] Flow Diagrams

[0125] The logic diagrams follow standard software flow-charting designconventions. The diagram typically flows from top to bottom. Each boxhas one input and one output, with the exception of decision boxes.These have two outputs.

[0126] See FIG. 3.

[0127] Textual Descriptions

[0128] The textual descriptions of the pages include several possiblyunfamiliar conventions that are described below.

[0129] Bold Text

[0130] Bold text in the descriptions or overviews refers to a control orpage of the same (or very similar) name in the design, description, orflow diagram.

[0131] Indenting

[0132] This indicates subordinate relationship. For instance controls atthis level of indentation belong solely to the feature directly extendedfrom them.

[0133] Example

[0134] The following is an example from the documentation. The followingcontrols belong to this example.

[0135] User Profile THIS INDICATES THE NAME OR REFERENCE OF THE CONTROL.

[0136] Button: Displays user profile page.

[0137] Each control is identified as to what kind of control it is.

[0138] Quit

[0139] Button: Displays confirmation pop-up dialog.

[0140] These next controls belong solely to the quit feature.

[0141] Quit Confirmation

[0142] Pop-up dialog: Informs the user that they will be logged out ofthe system.

[0143] Continue

[0144] Button: Logs user out of system and displays login page.

[0145] Cancel

[0146] Button: Displays currently active page.

[0147] Default: This is the default control.

[0148] User Definition

[0149] User Profile

[0150] Proflowers.com provides users with a single point of access forviewing, purchasing and delivering flowers. The typical user of thistype of service is one who possesses a credit card and is comfortablewith the concept of shopping and making purchases on-line. The user ofthis site will typically be interested in addressing a certain need,such as a special event, holiday or a gift. Since flowers typically havean emotional component inherent to their type or arrangement, the userof this service will require some guidance as to which type of flower orarrangement is appropriate for the occasion. The most common user ofthis service will typically be male, and have an income that varieswidely. The user will presumably be somewhat familiar with the web, butnot necessarily an advanced user.

[0151] Although most users will typically purchase flowers as a gift,some users may wish to order flowers for decoration during holidays orspecial gathering. In such cases, it is typically a woman who is makingthis type of purchase.

[0152] Despite the above mentioned gender stereotypes, it is conceivablethat the reverse of these stereotypes is also possible. Web usage isstill somewhat disproportionately male, however with the rise ofInternet access in the marketplace the need for this distinction isbecoming less relevant.

[0153] Some features of this service, which would be beneficial to theabove-mentioned user, include a reminder service for important occasionsand holidays, as well as automated delivery and gift registry.

[0154] Task Analysis

[0155] Observations

[0156] Since buying flowers is not an uncommon or unusual task,observation of this task is not necessary. The typical task flow of thisprocess involves browsing available inventory or asking for assistancein purchasing an arrangement for a certain occasion, such as Valentine'sday, the loss of a loved one, decoration for the arrival of guests, oras an apology. Whether or not the purchase is a gift or for oneselfdetermines how and where the flowers will eventually be delivered.Finally, the means of payment are negotiated.

[0157] Scenarios

[0158] The following scenarios capture the typical activities andbehaviors thought to be representative of the users and tasks within thedomain of this web site. These scenarios promote a better understandingof the user's needs through a narrative approach.

Bob the Business Manager

[0159] Bob recently started an argument with his wife over a trivialmatter, and he's feeling a bit chagrined because he realizes he wasbeing unfair. He loves his wife very much, and he wants to let her knowthat despite the times they disagree he still cares for her deeply. Heis not a particularly adventurous type, and he thinks that theold-standby, flowers, would be the perfect way to show his affection andapology. He is a busy person, and doesn't have time to go shop forflowers, so he gets on-line to see what he find there. He performs asearch of the Internet for “flowers”, and comes across a few sites thatsell flowers and deliver them. The first few sites he visits seempricey, or are difficult to navigate since they force him to know whathe wants ahead of time. He finally sees the Proflowers site, and henotices that the site is asking him why he's buying flowers. He tellsit, and it provides him with a list of flowers appropriate for theoccasion. He assumes that his wife has some basic knowledge of flowertypes whereas he has none, and picking the right arrangement, he thinks,will win him big points for being so considerate. After browsing theselection, he picks the one he thinks his wife will like. He tells thesystem where to send it, includes a brief and sweet message, andindicates how he wants to pay. After the transaction is complete, hecongratulates himself for being such a smooth operator.

[0160] While at Proflowers, he notices that he can sign up for areminder service. Since he forgot his mother's birthday last year andstill hasn't heard the end of it, he signs up and asks to be reminded ofhis wife's birthday, his mother's birthday, and his anniversary.

[0161] Betty Bereaved

[0162] Betty's coworker and friend recently lost her mother to adebilitating illness. She visits the Blue Mountain site, since she hadsent electronic greeting cards to friends before. She notices a bannerad for Proflowers, and given the circumstances she decides it would be anice gesture if she left some flowers on her friend's desk to enjoy whenshe returns to work. She goes to the Proflowers site and notices thatshe can pick from a list of occasions. She selects “bereavement”, andbrowses the available arrangements. Since price is important, she triesto find something that is inexpensive but nice. She likes the fact thatshe knows she is getting a good deal, which is important. She finallyfinds a nice subtle but lovely arrangement, and has it shipped toherself at work since she doesn't know her friend's home address. Sheknows her friend will return next Monday, and she doesn't want theflowers to sit too long. She tells Proflowers to deliver on a specificdate, the Friday before she returns. She sees that the flowerarrangements include food and are much fresher than most arrangementselsewhere will be, so she's not worried abut them sitting in the officeover the weekend. She includes a brief message, and pays for theflowers. A short while later, she receives a confirmation of the orderin her email box and is satisfied that the flowers are on their way.

Gary in the Gulf

[0163] Gary, an Air Force pilot, was sent to the Persian Gulf during abreakdown in diplomatic relations with Iraq. He and his wife are newparents, and he is saddened by the fact that he will be away from hisfamily. He promises her that he'll return in a three months, and not toworry. After three months, tensions have risen and he will have toremain on duty for another three months. He wants to send his wife someflowers to apologize for being away and to tell her that he loves her.He visits a number of flower sites on-line, but they all seem tooexpensive for what he gets. Since he has a limited income, heappreciates the excellent prices Proflowers offers. Also, as a militaryman, he appreciates the efficient process of shopping and orderingProflowers provides. He feels comfortable that his wife will get a nice,fresh arrangement, and she won't ball him out for spending too muchmoney.

Harriet the Hostess

[0164] Harriet has houseguests from Holland visiting, and she thinks itwould be a nice gesture if she placed some tulips in their room as awelcome gift. She works all day, and the nearest florist is not on hernormal route to and from work. She has Internet access at work, and hasshopped on-line before. She sees a banner ad for Proflowers on a searchengine, and decides to give it a try. She notices that not only doesProflowers offer significantly lower prices, but that the flowers areespecially fresh since the come directly from the growers. Since herguests will be visiting for a week, she doesn't want the flowers goingbad before they leave. She already knows what she wants, so she decidesthat instead of picking an occasion, she instead picks a flower type andbegins browsing. She doesn't need a card, and she only needs to have theflowers delivered to herself.

Tom Techie

[0165] Tom is typical of many 20-30 year-old (or so) folks working in afast paced high-tech industry, such as a software development company.He has more than enough income to meet is needs and many of his wants.What he doesn't necessarily have is a lot of time. Nor does he thinkabout these things during normal business hours. These factors make theInternet a perfect place to shop for Tom. Among other things, he buys,software, mountain bike parts, and occasionally flowers from on-lineservices.

[0166] Tom knows a lot about software, a fair amount about bikes, butvery little about flowers. He typically buys the standard roses for alloccasions. He doesn't usually remember the occasions very well, either.Tom uses a scheduling program to alert him of upcoming occasions, butdoesn't have the time to go a buy something. So he is left with theoption of shopping the Internet at the last minute. He typically choosesflowers because he's not sure what else to what else to give. And hey,they deliver, too. The occasions seem typical, too, Mother's day,Valentine's day, “Oops, I'm sorry” day, to name a few.

Randy Romantic

[0167] Randy knows how to treat his significant other(s). Flowers areperfect for any occasion. Randy knows flowers a little better than mostand prefers to augment the flowers with a special gift, such aschocolate or a basket.

[0168] Randy used to use the Yellow Pages but was never quite sure whathe was sending or what he was getting for his money. Moreover, it wassometimes difficult to get in touch with a florist. The Internet openedup a whole new world to him.

[0169] He likes to send flowers on general occasions, as well as specialthose occasions for his friends and lover(s). He uses his home computerto order flowers, which means it's probably done after normal businesshours. Randy doesn't spend a lot of time on his computer, but is fairlyfamiliar with the Internet.

[0170] He really likes the ability to preview the arrangements to ensurethat they are the right kinds of flowers for the occasion. It has takenhim a long time to learn which flowers are better for which occasions,and is interested in learning more.

[0171] Randy like to have the flowers delivered in a special way, ifpossible. The standard drop off at the doorstep is fine in a pinch. Butthose special occasions require special delivery. It's not easy findingsomeone who will deliver on Sundays.

[0172] The ability to include a gift of chocolates or special basketappeals to Randy and he is always looking for ways to make the flowers alittle more special. He also likes to choose a nice card and add his ownnotes to it.

[0173] Randy may need to send flowers to more than one person on someoccasions, but he typically sends flowers to one person at a time.

[0174] See FIG. 4. user/task matrix VALUE MEANING − Unlikely + Possible++ Highly Likely Female Executive Male Office Female Task/User Male CEOAssistant Soldier Worker Homemaker Shop by ++ ++ ++ + + Occasion Shop by− + − + ++ Flower Type Purchase as ++ ++ ++ + + Gift Purchase for − −− + + self Purchase + ++ − − − Multiple Deliver as Gift ++ ++ ++ + +Deliver to Self − − − + + Quality ++ + + ++ ++ Important Variety + + + +++ Important

[0175] Metrics and Objectives

[0176] Usabiltiy Metrics

[0177] This site must be easy to use, with no requirement for learning.Since the usage model for this site varies from regular to intermittentuse, it should be simple to navigate and provide a simple model ofinteraction. Advanced features such as a reminder service and giftregistry should be simple to use and should not interfere with thetypical browsing and ordering process. Discovery of advanced featuresshould be introduced by non-intrusive suggestions based on usagepatterns, or through navigation of optional portions of the site. Thesite should accommodate both inexperienced, non-technical users, yet bewell designed technically to appeal to more advanced users.

[0178] Product Objectives

[0179] The objective of this site is to provide users with a simplemethod for selecting, purchasing and shipping flowers and arrangementsat a competitive price. Value can be added to the process by invitingusers to specify the occasion for which the flowers are being purchased.By doing so, users will be provided with suggestions for appropriatearrangement. By relying on the knowledge of the service provider(Proflowers.com), users will feel more comfortable that the purchase isappropriate for the occasion. This coupled with information about thequality, savings and value-added features such as a Reminder Service andMonthly Contests, Proflowers.com provides creates a positive image forthe site that will induce book-marking and return visits (Proflowers maywant to consider a “Bookmark this page” link).

[0180] Task Priorities

[0181] The primary tasks this site should accommodate include selectingan occasion, selecting an arrangement, specifying a recipient fordelivery, and payment. Other tasks that can be addressed are browsing byflower type, gift registry, and important date reminders. Additionally,marketing items such as contests and company information should beincluded.

[0182] Interface Design

[0183] Conventions

[0184] Certain conventions are utilized throughout this design. Theseconventions have been selected to create an internal standard forbehaviors which are common yet not standardized from site to site. Thesebehaviors assume that JavaScript will be used in conjunction with HTMLin the implementation of this design. When certain JavaScript codes arenot 100% compatible, they do not prevent the use of the site, but ratherenhance the experience for users with compatible browsers.

[0185] JavaScript

[0186] The following syntax refers to Event Handlers which respond tocertain actions: OnMouseOvero( ) function—this function allows abehavior or state change to occur when the cursor is placed over animage object. The typical use of this function is to change a buttonfrom deselected to a selected state. This will be referred to in thedocument as an “OnMouseOver behavior”.

[0187] OnChange( ) function—reacts to drop down list selection byactivating that selection for purposes of navigation without requiringan explicit submit action.

[0188] OnLoad( ) function—this function allows an action to occur when apage is loaded.

[0189] Focus( ) function—this function places the focus in the specifiedfield, such as the first text box of an on-line form. Often, this codeis used in conjunction with the OnLoad event handler.

[0190] Other uses—JavaScript is an object-oriented language, allowingmultiple functions to be carried out with a single action. Utilizationof this capability can improve and enhance the interactivity andresponsiveness of a web site. JavaScript can also perform data checkingoperations.

[0191] Frames

[0192] In order to maintain the visibility of key elements to the site,namely the company logo, mission statement and site navigation, thisdesign intends to use frames. All Mozilla/2.0 browsers support frames.The frameset structure of the site is diagrammed below.

[0193] In order to maintain the consistency of the site's navigation,the frames have been designed using the “frames-within-frames” method.This allows two frames to be updated simultaneously, maintaining aconsistent level of navigation despite the use of the browser's “Back”button.

[0194] Navigation

[0195] Hyperlink: blue underlined text that causes a new page to load<A>

[0196] Hyperlink Button: graphic that serves as a hyperlink <A>

[0197] Button: standard 3D button generated by <INPUT TYPE=Button> tag.

[0198] Data Checking

[0199] In some cases, such as the recipient and billing informationpages, it is necessary to verify that the user has input viable data,and that certain data elements match one another (for example the cityand zip). If the system detects a data error, it returns the user to theoriginal form and places RED asterisks or some other highly salientmarker next to the items that were input incorrectly. The “Continue>>”button is replaced by an “OK” button.

[0200] If the user ever performs a destructive action, such as “CancelOrder”, it must be confirmed by an explicit action on the part of theuser.

[0201] Security

[0202] SSL Security should be activated whenever the user is performingan action or viewing a screen in which personal information may beedited. Credit Card Account information cannot be accessed from thissite, only changed if an appropriate order number is provided.

[0203] Cookies

[0204] User interviews revealed a variety of responses to the use ofcookies, from unfamiliar to always refusing. Cookies can provide asignificant benefit, and be the source of a major annoyance as well. Itis our inclination to avoid the use of cookies due to a general lack ofunderstanding of this technology. If cookies are utilized, the usershould be able to bypass them and still use the site fully with cookiesrefused or disabled.

[0205] Load Speed

[0206] Several programming techniques can be employed to facilitatefaster loading, which is highly recommended. To make the overall pageload faster and to allow the text content to become visible before theimages have completed loading, all HTML tags regarding tables and imagesshould include HEIGHT & WIDTH values. Doing so allows the browser topredict the layout of the page, and thus can display informationincrementally rather than being forced to load the whole page first.

[0207] Design Note: Frames (FIG. 8) allow for the constant visibility oftwo important page elements; the Navigation portion is always visibledespite scrolling, and the Header is also always visible. These areascan be utilized to present information that will always be visible tothe customer.

[0208] The Home Page (FIG. 10) is the first screen that visitors seewhen visiting the Proflowers.com site. It displays arrangements for thenearest upcoming flower occasion. It also displays tips for using thenavigation. Also on the home page are links to more arrangements for theupcoming holiday and a direct link to long stem roses, which are apopular item.

[0209] Note the use of the (u) symbol to draw attention to importantelements and information on the screen. This convention is usedthroughout the design, and was very effective in bringing importantinformation to the user's attention. As a matter of fact, users oftenmissed important information that wasn't preceded by this symbol. Thissimple element is very effective in focusing and controlling attention.

[0210] Behaviors

[0211] Arrangement Image/Click for Details

[0212] Hyperlink: clicking on the arrangement image takes the user to anenlarged detail view of the arrangement.

[0213] Buy this Arrangement

[0214] Hyperlink Button: clicking on Buy loads the Recipient Page of theorder process.

[0215] Flower Name Hyperlink

[0216] Text Hyperlink: the names of flowers are hyperlinked to theappropriate section of the flower guide. Clicking on the flower nameloads the flower guide, scrolled to the portion of the screen describingthe flower.

[0217] Navigation

[0218] 1. Shop:

[0219] <select an occasion>

[0220] Drop-down list: this list contains all of the main occasions,e.g. gift, thank you, apology, get well soon, etc. plus at the top ofthe list the nearest flower holidays; Easter, Secretaries Day, andMother's Day, for example.

[0221] Selecting an occasion from the list causes the availableinventory for the selected occasion to be displayed in the main contentframe, sorted by descending price.

[0222] <select a flower type>

[0223] Drop-down list: similar to <select by occasion>, only theinventory is sorted by the type of flower selected. The most popularflowers should be listed first, and plants should be listed last.

[0224] Show Me

[0225] Graphical Button: if the browser does not support the onchange( )function, then the “Show Me” button submits the user's selection. If theuser selects from both lists, show only the occasion. The Flower Typeand Occasion lists are mutually exclusive.

[0226] 2. Features

[0227] About Proflowers.com

[0228] Graphical Button: links to the About Proflowers.com page;graphical button changes appearance to indicate the selection.OnMouseOver behavior may be implemented, if time allows.

[0229] Flower Guide

[0230] Graphical Button: links to the Flower Guide; see above.

[0231] Flower Care

[0232] Graphical Button: links to Flower Care; see above.

[0233] 3. Customer Service

[0234] <select a service option>

[0235] Drop-down list: presents a list of three options: View Order,Modify Billing, and Contact Proflowers. Selection of an item loads theappropriate page. See also comments for “Show Me”.

[0236] 4. Added Features

[0237] These items were separated from the main navigation to drawattention to these features.

[0238] Reminder Service

[0239] Graphical Button: links to Reminder Service; see above.

[0240] Monthly Contest

[0241] Graphical Button: links to Monthly Contest; see above.

[0242] Logic

[0243] Shopping for flowers has two parts: locating the item and placingan order for it. These two logic flows illustrate the general logic ofthe shopping and ordering process, followed by the appropriate screenshots (e.g., FIGS. 11-12).

[0244] If the user selects an occasion from the Shop by Occasion menu(FIG. 13), the selected occasion loads. Arrangements appropriate for theselected occasion are listed in order of price, from largest tosmallest. Behaviors are identical to the Home Page Behaviors.

[0245] It is not necessary to assign an ordinal value to eacharrangement; numbers are included for illustration purposes only.

[0246] The Arrangement Detail screen (FIG. 14) allows the user to vieweach arrangement in more detail than the initial shop screen. Thisfacilitates faster downloading by providing single larger images on apage rather than several. By saving the original image in its largerformat, then reducing the size while in Catalog View, the load time forthe detail view is significantly reduced as the image is already cached.Behaviors are identical to the Home Page Behaviors.

[0247] If the user has not yet completed an order during the activesession, they are asked to identify themselves. The user has the optionof entering an email address if they have shopped Proflowers.compreviously, or leaving the field blank and clicking “Continue>>”. If thesystem recognizes the user, it provides the Recipient Selection screen.Otherwise, an error and request for reentry appears.

[0248] Behaviors

[0249] Your Email Address:

[0250] Text Box: the user enters their email in the text box, or leavesit blank. If left blank, the site loads the Recipient Information Page(i.e., screen). The cursor should focus on this field automatically.

[0251] Continue>>

[0252] Graphic Button: clicking continue submits the value of the textbox and proceeds to the next screen; Enter or Return will also executethis command.

[0253] If the user enters an email address that is not recognized, theyare presented with an at opportunity to reenter their email address(FIG. 16). This is due to the fact that many users have several emailaddresses, and may have entered one different than the one used to placean order. Behaviors are identical to the Customer Identify Screen.

[0254] If the user is recognized as a previous user, either by thepresence of a cookie or by the entry of a recognized email address, theyare presented with a selectable list of recipients. This list contains“New Recipient”, the user's name, and the names of any other recipientsfrom past orders. (See FIG. 17.)

[0255] Note: the browser must have entered Secure Mode at this point.

[0256] Behaviors

[0257] Select a Recipient

[0258] Drop down list: lists “New Recipient”, the user's name, and thenames of any previous recipients. JavaScript should be used toautomatically detect the selection. The default value is “NewRecipient”.

[0259] Continue>>

[0260] Graphical Button: if the selection is not automatically detected,then users may click this button to proceed; hitting Enter or Returnwill assume the default selection is desired.

[0261] If the user selected a recipient, the address fields are alreadypopulated with the appropriate information. If a recipient was notselected, the fields are left blank. The screen in FIG. 18 summarizesthe order quantity, arrangement name, card message, and shippinginformation.

[0262] If there are any errors, the page reloads with the erroneousfields highlighted.

[0263] Note: if the browser is not yet in secure mode, it is now.

[0264] Behaviors

[0265] The Tab key may be used to advance between fields; the focusshould default to the quantity field.

[0266] Quantity:

[0267] Text Box: user enters the quantity of arrangements they wish tosend. The default value is 1.

[0268] Card Message:

[0269] Text Boxes: five text boxes within the context of a graphic forthe actual card; explanatory text indicating users should specify whoit's from.

[0270] Please Ship To

[0271] The following standard form elements collect information aboutthe Recipient of the arrangement. Fields marked with a (*) aremandatory.

[0272] * First Name:

[0273] Text Input: space for user to insert first name; the cursorshould default to this field.

[0274] * Last Name:

[0275] Text Input: space for user to insert last name.

[0276] * Address 1:

[0277] Text Input: space for user to insert the main address

[0278] Address 2:

[0279] Text Input: space for user to insert optional addressinformation.

[0280] City:

[0281] Text Input: space for user to insert the city.

[0282] * State/Prov:

[0283] Drop Down List: list for selecting state (format AL, AZ, CA., etc. . . ) Only those states, provinces and territories that can be shippedto are included. The country is implicit in the selection.

[0284] * Zip/Postal Code:

[0285] Text Input: space for user to insert zip code; only allows 7digits or whatever is allowable by virtue of the State or ProvinceSelected.

[0286] * Delivery Date:

[0287] Drop-down list: list of dates for shipping that extend four weeksfrom the present date. Shipping values are listed next to each date, asto indicate the difference between weekend and weekday delivery.Additionally, important holidays and flower days are listed by name nextto the appropriate date as to facilitate the selection of a movingholiday date (i.e. Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, etc.)

[0288] If it is possible, it might be desirable to list the actualholiday name in lieu of the actual date.

[0289] Leave on Doorstep:

[0290] Check: if this option is checked, arrangements will be left if noone is available to receive them; this is checked by default.Explanatory text next to this option explains the possible problemsassociated with un-checking this option.

[0291] Cancel Order:

[0292] Graphical Button: discards information and activates CancelConfirmed screen.

[0293] Continue>>

[0294] Graphical Button: saves the recipient information and proceedswith the Billing portion of the order; hitting Enter or Return activatesthis function.

[0295] The Billing Information screen FIG. 19 collects the billinginformation from the user. Mandatory fields are marked with an (*). Thispage is secure, and should indicate so. If the user was identified bythe system, the “Bill to:” information is populated, and the “BillingMethod:” information is blank.

[0296] Note: Credit Card information should not be accessible from anyportion of the site.

[0297] Behaviors

[0298] Billing Address

[0299] The following standard form elements collect billing information.Fields marked with a (*) are mandatory.

[0300] * First Name:

[0301] Text Input: space for user to insert first name; the cursorshould default to this field.

[0302] Last Name:

[0303] Text Input: space for user to insert last name.

[0304] * Address 1:

[0305] Text Input: space for user to insert the main address

[0306] Address 2:

[0307] Text Input: space for user to insert optional addressinformation.

[0308] * City:

[0309] Text Input: space for user to insert the city.

[0310] * State/Prov:

[0311] Drop Down List: list for selecting state (format=AL, AZ, CA., etc. . . ); should include an option “NONE” for international orders.

[0312] * Zip/Postal Code:

[0313] Text Input: space for user to insert zip or postal code; countryis implicit and determined by the value entered.

[0314] * Phone:

[0315] Text Input: text field which allows enough space forinternational phone numbers.

[0316] Billing Method:

[0317] The following standard form elements collect information aboutthe preferred billing method.

[0318] * Credit Card

[0319] Drop-Down List: user may select from Visa, Mastercard, andDiscover. The initial value of this list is “[select one]”.

[0320] * Account Number:

[0321] Text Input: space to enter card numbers; should be limited to 16digits.

[0322] * Expiration (mm/yy):

[0323] Text Input: space to enter expiration date. A suggested defaultvalue on “01/98” will indicate the format to enter the expiration date.An error routine should check for any date less than current month.

[0324] Cancel Order

[0325] Button: discards order information and returns user to ordercancellation confirmation screen.

[0326] Continue>>

[0327] Button: saves billing information and proceeds to the ordersummary; pressing Enter or Return executes this action as well.

[0328] Before confirming an order, the user has a chance in the screenin FIG. 20 to review the order and make any modifications.

[0329] Behaviors

[0330] Change:

[0331] Button: allows the user to edit the information for the selectedsection. Clicking “Change . . . ” opens the edit screen for eitherbilling or shipping; confirming the change returns the user immediatelyto this screen.

[0332] Cancel this Order:

[0333] Graphical Button: opens the Cancel Order/Review Order screen toallow the verification of the cancellation.

[0334] Confirm Order>

[0335] Graphical Button: submits the order to the billing server andopens the “Order Confirmed” screen; pressing Enter or Return executesthis action.

[0336] After confirming their order, the user is presented with aprintable summary of their order in the screen in FIG. 22, whichincludes the order number. They may select “Done” or “Place AnotherOrder”; both have the same effect of returning the user to the MainScreen (users seemed to need an explicit button for completing thetask).

[0337] Design Note: Notice that the Done button has a soft, roundedappearance whereas the Place Another Order Button has a pointed end.This is to suggest Finished, in the former, as opposed to “Continue onwith another action”, as in the latter; this convention is utilizedthroughout the design.

[0338] The screen in FIG. 23 should provide users with generalinformation about Proflowers.com, such as details regarding the price,quality and freshness of the arrangements. It should also include linksto the Customer Support page, in case users are looking for that type ofinformation on this page. It is also a good opportunity to introducelinks to the value added features and sections, like the Flower Care andGuide sections.

[0339] The screen in FIG. 24 provides a guide to caring for cut flowers.It should also include a link to the Flower Guide. Also, it shouldmention that this guide is included with every order.

[0340] The Flower Guide screen in FIG. 25 provides users with a simpleguide to the types, appearances and meanings of different flowers. Thisalso allows Proflowers.com demonstrate its special knowledge aboutflowers.

[0341] If any of the featured flowers are available for sale throughProflowers.com, an “In Stock” hypertext button should be included withthe description. Clicking “In Stock” takes the user to the appropriatedetailed view of the arrangement.

[0342] The most popular flower types, such as roses and tulips, shouldbe featured first in the guide, along with a brief description of themeaning and seasonal availability. Users may reach this guide byclicking on the names of flowers within the arrangement descriptions.

[0343] When a user selects “View Order” screen (FIG. 27) from theCustomer Service Menu, they get this screen. If the user wishes to view,edit or cancel an order, they may do so by entering their order numberand clicking “Continue>>”. The system will automatically poll FedEx withthe number to generate the Order Status information, or at minimumprovide them with an order status value.

[0344] Note: although not explicitly described in this document, thisand all subsequent screens regarding order location should anticipate anentry error on the part of the user. Instead of providing an errorscreen instructing the user to go back, it should reload the same datafields but state that the order was not found and to re-enter it. Thisis similar to the “Customer Identification” screens.

[0345] Behaviors

[0346] Your Order Number:

[0347] Text Box: space for typing order number located on the OrderSummary.

[0348] Continue>>

[0349] Button: submits the order number and locates the order summaryfor that order.

[0350] Regarding FIG. 28, if the order number matches an order in thedatabase, the details (including FedEx status) are displayed. If theorder has not yet shipped, up to the day before intended shipping, theuser may modify the information (see previous Order Summary fordescription of behaviors). Cancel Order takes the user to the CancelOrder Review screen.

[0351] Note: whitespace is used to help the delivery date and orderstatus information stand out.

[0352] These two pieces of information are very important, and should bemade to stand apart from the other information on the page.

[0353] If the user selects “Cancel Order” from a screen (FIG. 29)containing a complete order summary, they are presented with this screenso they may review their order and verify their decision. Clicking“Don't Cancel Order” returns the user to the previous screen. Clicking“Cancel this Order” takes user to Order Cancel Confirmed Screen. Thesystem should remove the order from the system at this point.

[0354] Note: any screen containing an order summary for an order thathas already shipped will not contain a “Cancel Order” button.

[0355]FIG. 30 is a screen that confirms to user that the order has beencanceled.

[0356] If the user wishes to modify the billing information, especiallyif an email was sent that a credit card was declined, they may do sofrom the screen in FIG. 40.

[0357] Behaviors

[0358] Your Order Number:

[0359] Text Box: space for typing order number located on the OrderSummary.

[0360] Continue>>

[0361] Button: submits the order number and locates the billinginformation for that order.

[0362] See description for Billing Information in ordering process. Acontinue screen in FIG. 41 updates the information and providesconfirmation; Cancel loads the order summary for verification.

[0363] Confirmation that the billing information has been successfullyupdated in FIG. 42. If users wish to contact Proflowers for any reason,they may complete the form in the screen of FIG. 43. Clicking “Cancel”returns user to the home page; clicking “Send Message” submits messageand activates confirmation page.

[0364] After submitting a message, the user is presented withconfirmation that their email was received in the screen illustrated inFIG. . Clicking “Done” returns the user to the home page.

[0365] A Reminder Service screen in FIG. 45 allows users to enterspecial dates with the expectation that they will receive a reminder andspecial offer when the date approaches. Entering an email addressaccesses the reminders. If the email is recognized, the saved reminderscan be edited. Otherwise, the reminders are blank.

[0366] The user may enter special occasions and dates in on the screenin FIG. 46. To assist the user, the name of a holiday may be enteredwithout a date. If, after submitting the reminder the string matches onein the database, the date is automatically applied. This is useful forholidays which have shifting dates, like Easter, Passover, Mother's Day,Thanksgiving, and so on.

[0367] The first time the reminders are accessed, it should include oneor two examples for the user to view.

[0368] After submitting reminders, they are summarized for the user in ascreen shown in FIG. 47 to show that they were accepted by the system.Any holidays in which dates were left blank will now be populated by thesystem (if matched).

[0369] The contents of the contest page for the screen in FIG. 48 are upto the discretion of the Proflowers.com design and marketing teams.

[0370] Confirmation that the contest entry was submitted successfully isshown in the screen of FIG. 49.

[0371] Technology Issues

[0372] Frame Technology

[0373] Frames are compatible with all Mozilla/2.0 compatible browsers.Browser usage statistics from various Internet sources have indicatedthat the majority of users on the web are using a browser that isMozilla/2.0 compliant. Therefore, ID is confident that the use of framesin the site will not hinder the vast majority of users that access theProflowers site. These statistics include AOL users (seehttp://webmaster.info.aol.com/ for more information on developing forAOL users).

[0374] JavaScript

[0375] This design assumes the use of JavaScript to implement certainelements in the design. It has been determined that the JavaScript EventHandlers indicated in this document are compatible with all Mozilla/2.0and greater browsers, which accounts for much greater than 80% of theexisting Internet users. JavaScript is a highly flexible, objectoriented language which is well suited to implementing certain userinteractions not possible with HTML, with the added benefit of beingmore stable and compatible than Java.

[0376] Design Issues

[0377] Thinking Outside the Box

[0378] There is more to this site than the pages it serves. There is anunderlying structure which reinforces Proflowers intimate knowledge oftheir customers needs.

[0379] For example:

[0380] * Dates: whenever a date must be selected (i.e. for delivery),not only is the date indicated but the holiday associated with that dateis displayed as well. Since many holidays occur on shifting dates, thiswill make selecting a delivery date easier for the user. If the dateaffects shipping, that should be clearly indicated as well.

[0381] * Email: any action performed by the user that affects theiraccount should include on screen confirmation as well as emailconfirmation. Email requiring a user action should contain explicitinstructions and even hypertext links to the actual screen they need tovisit to resolve the issue.

[0382] * Packaging: graphic elements on the packaging, flower guide,card etc. should be consistent with the look and feel of the site toindicate coherence and unity within the company.

[0383] Customer Service

[0384] Whenever a request is submitted to Proflowers.com, such as anorder or service request, an automatic reply in the form of email shouldbe generated stating that the message has been received by Proflowers.Any time an action regarding Proflowers and the customer occurs, andemail should be generated if possible.

[0385] Browsing Inventory

[0386] If the user opts to view an arrangement in more detail, they areoffered the option to continue browsing the inventory in the detailedview “mode”. Previous experience and observation has shown that userswill predictably utilize the browser's “Back” button to return to theoverview page from which they selected the Detailed view. Since thepages are generated based on the user's browsing preference, it may notbe technically feasible to include a “<<Back” button on that actual“Details” screen. Additionally, the limited inventory does not indicatethe need for a mechanism to allow browsing within the “Details” view.

[0387] Users stated an interest in the names of flowers included in thetext descriptions of arrangements should link to the appropriate sectionof the Flower Guide for the flower selected.

[0388] Shopping Cart

[0389] Task analysis indicates that ordering multiple items is lesslikely than ordering only one. Therefore, multiple orders arefacilitated by a “Place another order” button on the final orderingscreen. Users are not required to re-enter data as long as they don'tleave the site or the 15-minute limit has not passed.

[0390] Survey

[0391] In order to gain valuable marketing information, Proflowers.comis interested in including a survey. The most appropriate point for thissurvey to appear is after a user has completed an order. This way theuser will have a fresh impression of the ease of use and value of thesite, since they have just completed using it. Proflowers.com shouldattempt to offer some incentive for completing the survey, sinceresearch shows that users are typically wary of offering this type ofinformation. There is a perception that personal information will bedisseminated against their wishes, so Proflowers.com should stress thatthe survey is merely intended to make their experience withProflowers.com more pleasurable in the future by implementing theirsuggestions.

[0392] This survey could appear after the user clicks done, and bephrased as to indicate to the user that it is for the purposes ofimproving the site, and not for demographics/marketing reasons.Obviously, any demographic information collected should be carefullypresented as to not contradict this statement.

[0393] Reminder Service

[0394] The reminder service allows a frequent user to specify certainspecial dates, such as birthdays and anniversaries. An email reminderand advertisement is sent to registered users, possibly with specialoffers for reminder service clients (i.e. free shipping, discount price,etc.) Users register for this service separately from the orderingprocess, but use their email address for identification.

[0395] To draw attention to the reminder service, it has been displayedas an independent button with a graphic.

[0396] Strategic Alliances

[0397] Proflowers may wish to partner with other resources to add valueto the site, such as including a Blue Mountain greeting card or othergifts, as well as links to partner sites with product offerings withinthe same domain.

[0398] Registry

[0399] Certain individuals may wish to select a few items they like andsend a note to their favorite gift giver a nice reminder to buy themflowers. Again, special discounts or offers could be provided to suchusers. Implementing this would follow the same heuristics as outlined inthe Reminder Service, including having a separate button.

[0400] With even more particular reference to how to make (andimplicitly how to use) the present invention, please consult the code inthe Appendix, which is incorporated herein, in view of the followingrepresentative specifications for ProFlowers.com.

[0401] Notation

[0402] <root> refers to the application directory root (e.g., f:\BMAO)

[0403] Application Load Assumptions daily unique visitors(average/peak): 100,000/600,000 percentage of visitors placing order: 1%products per order: 1

[0404] Design criteria based on assumptions daily orders (average/peak):1,000/6,000 daily faxes (average/peak): 1,000/6,000 pages 1 min. per faxpage, 600 pages per day per channel

[0405] Order Processing Pipeline TABLES FL_orderFulfillment,FL_orderFulfillmentStatus FL_orderFulfillmentStatus also defines theexact sequence of steps # Description Program Status¹ 1 new, temporaryand \cfm\orderForm1.cfm T incomplete order CFMODULE Name =“BMAO.uniqueOrderID“ (in Cold Fusion\CustomTags) 2 a. supplier selection\cfm\orderForm3.cfm² FEX b. FedEx shipment selectSupplier.incpreparation⁵ FedEx.inc (VALIDATION-ONLY in case of delayed order;canceled in batch process batchFedExCancel.cfm) 3 credit cardauthorization \cfm\orderForm3.cfm² CCA CyberCash.inc 4 finish orderprocess or \cfm\orderForm3.cfm² PPR prepare for future or PSN³processing 5 fax packing list/greeting \admin\batchNotifySupplier.cfmPSH message and FedEx ⁶ waybill to supplier (multiple quantities resultin multiple faxes) 6 shipped \admin\batchCheckShip.cfm SHP 7 credit cardcaptured \admin\batchCaptureCC.cfm CCC 8 credit card settled\admin\batchSettleAuth.cfm⁴ SET \admin\batchSettleRet.cfm (tempor arySER) 9 delete FedEx waybill \admin\batchDelLabelFiles.cfm COM labels 10Administrative tasks: BackOffice, Fulfillment SPD supplier paid 11Manual processing Exception handling; MAN immediately taken out ofautomated processing cycle

[0406] Notes

[0407] 1 status code as set after successful completion of stage; set intable FL_orderFulfillment. Valid status codes are:

[0408] T . . . temporary order (order and associated table entries willbe deleted nightly by SQL Server Stored Procedure pp_deleteTempOrders;temporary customers are deleted by pp_deleteTempCustomers)

[0409] FEX . . . FedEx shipment prepared (inc. Label gif file in<root>\FedExLabels directory)

[0410] CCA . . . credit card authorized

[0411] PPR . . . pending processing (future orders to be batch processedat a future time)

[0412] PSN . . . pending supplier notification (waiting for packinglist/greeting message and FedEx waybill label to be faxed)

[0413] PSH . . . pending shipment (packing list/greeting message andFedEx waybill label have been faxed to supplier)

[0414] SHP . . . shipped (as determined by successful tracking of firstpackage within order)

[0415] CCC . . . credit card captured

[0416] SER . . . settlement error (temporary status set by\admin\SettleAuth.inc and \admin\SettleRet.inc to identify order withstatus CCC so that they can be skipped during the next loop ofsettlement processing; reset to CCC by \admin\batchSettleAuth.cfm and\admin\batchSettleRet.cfm at the end of the program)

[0417] SET . . . credit card settled

[0418] COM . . . completed order (excluding administrative tasks, suchas supplier payment)

[0419] SPD . . . supplier paid (administrative task)

[0420] ERR . . . error; typically, order is canceled and customernotified by email, if available

[0421] MAN . . . manual processing (order is taken out of the automatedprocessing loop; programs will not take any further action on thisorder)

[0422] EDT . . . editing; temporary status code to indicate that theorder is being edited by the user

[0423] DEL . . . deleted by the customer from order tracking page; usedfor auditing purposes

[0424] Note, that manual status changes are only allowed after the orderis in COM state.

[0425] 2 Delayed/future orders are handled by

[0426] \admin\batchOrderProcessing.cfm

[0427] 3 PPR status set by \cfm\orderForm3.cfm for delayed orders;

[0428] PSN is set by \cfm\orderForm3.cfm for next day orders and by

[0429] \admin\batchOrderProcessing.cfm once the order is processed

[0430] 4 batchSettleAuth.cfm settles authorized credit cards, i.e.,purchases (all orders with status ‘CCC’ in tableFL_orderFulfillment=‘marked’ in CyberCash database); batchSettleRet.cfmsettles refunds (i.e., all orders with status ‘MRE’ in table FL_returns=‘markret’ in CyberCash database).

[0431] 5 FedEx shipment preparation (except for VALIDATION-ONLYshipments) creates a label file in <root>\FedExLabels\<trackingnumber>.gif

[0432] 6 \admin\batchNotifySupplier.cfm looks for the FedEx waybilllabel file \FedExLabels\<tracking number>.eps which has been convertedby GIFtoEPS.bat and thus is dependent on GIFtoEPS.bat having run at sometime; there is no direct scheduling dependence between the two. Theprogram first sets the tokens in the packing list/greeting messagetemplate and then appends the associated waybill gif file.batchNotifySupplier.cfm also deletes <tracking number>.gif; <trackingnumber>.ps gets deleted by batchDelLabelFiles once status is SHP or CCC

[0433] WHEN INTRODUCING NEW STATUS CODES, MAKE SURE TO ADD THEM TO TABLEFL_orderFulfillmentStatus.

[0434] Status Codes

[0435] The following status codes are used in the order processingpipeline: Status Code Description Sequence ERR processing error 0 Ttemporary 1 MAN manual processing 2 EDT editing 3 DEL deleted bycustomer 4 FEX FedEx shipment 10 prepared CCA credit card 20 authorizedPPR pending processing 30 PSN pending supplier 40 notification PSHpending shipment 50 SHP shipped 60 CCC credit card captured 70 SETsettled 80 COM completed 90 SPD supplier paid 100 999 testing use only

[0436] The sequence number is used to check for global status. Forexample, the order tracking program (OrderTracking.cfm) only showsorders with sequence >20.

[0437] Returns/Refunds Processing Pipeline

[0438] Table: FL_returns and FL_returnsStatus TABLE FL_returns andFL_returnsStatus # Description Program Status¹ 1 transaction marked for\admin\orderRefund.cfm MRE return/refund 2 transaction settled\admin\batchSettleAuth.cfm SET

[0439] Notes

[0440] 1 status code as set after successful completion of stage; set intable FL_returns. Valid status codes are:

[0441] MRE . . . marked for refund (‘markret’ in CyberCash database)

[0442] SET . . . credit card settled

[0443] Batch Processes and Scheduling Time Process DescriptionDependency every 15 <root>\FedExLabels\ converts FedEx waybill noneminutes GIFtoEPS.bat labels from GIF to EPS on the quarter every 15<root>\admin\ postprocesses packing none directly but min.; 2batchNotifySupplier.cfm list and EPS label files needs EPS file; min.after (adds Postscript looks for EPS the wrapper, scales to files oforders with quarter proper size, add status PSN “showpage”) 11:00 AM<root>\admin\batchCheckDe Determines whether none, but should to 7:30livery.cfm an order has been be run during PM delivered times when FedExdelivery is most likely 8:00 PM <root>\admin\ determines whether nonebut must run to 10:30 batchCheckShip.cfm order has been on same day asPM shipped; runs 3 times shipment creation (every 60 minutes) in casethere are any Internet communications problems; also sends shipmentnotification email 10:00 PM <root>\admin\ cancels FedEx none but mustrun batchFedExCancel.cfm VALIDATION-ONLY on same day as shipmentsshipment creation 10:15 PM <root>\admin\AffiliateShipme Create datatransfer After 10:00 PM nt.cfm file for Be Free PT but before 2:00 AM ET10:20 PM <root>\admin\AffiliateOrder.c Create data transfer After 10:00PM fm file for Be Free PT but before 2:00 AM ET 10:30 PM <root>\admin\housekeeping task none; looks at all batchDelLabelFiles.cfm deletesFedEx label orders with status files (EPS) of shipped SHP or CCC¹ orders8:00 to <root>\admin\ captures credit card batchCheckShip; 11:00 PMbatchCaptureCC.cfm purchases looks at all orders with status SHP 12:15AM <root>\admin\batchReminde Send email reminders none but shouldrService.cfm of customer-selected be run early in the events morning1:00 AM <root>\admin\ processes all orders none but must be 2:00 AMbatchOrderProcessing.cfm due for delivery the run past midnight 3:00 AM(runs 3 times in case of next day since it looks for 4:00 AM FedExproblems) the next day and uses today's ship date 3:00 AM <root>\admin\settles captured credit none; should run batchSettleAuth.cfm cards afterbatchCaptureCC 3:30 AM <root>\admin\ settles returns/refunds nonebatchSettleRet.cfm 12:05 AM SP: pp_deleteTempOrders deletes temporarynone orders (those that never were finished) 12:10 AM SP: deletestemporary none pp_deleteTempCustomers customers (those that never placedan order) 10:00 PM Database dump SQL Server dump of none BMAO, Masterand msdb databases 10:30 PM tape backup daily and weekly SQL Serverincremental and full database dump backup 5:00 PM<root>\admin\AffiliateProduc Create data transfer Anytime, once a Sundayt.cfm file for Be Free week

[0444] Notes

[0445] 1 it is recommended to run batchDelLabelFiles.cfm beforebatchSettleAuth.cfm because the latter sets the status that the formeracts upon. This way, shipping labels stay around for another day—just incase they might be needed again.

[0446] Special Access Permissions, Accounts and Drive Mappings

[0447] File Permissions

[0448] Application Server (FLOWERS1)

[0449] The following files in \\FLOWERS1\<root>\admin require execute(X) permission for the IIS anonymous user (MIIS). This is because theyare run as a batch process by the Cold Fusion scheduler which runs underthe IIS anonymous account.

[0450] application.cfm

[0451] batch*.cfm

[0452] *.inc

[0453] <root>\admin and the following files in <root>\admin requiredexecute (RX) permission for the group BMAOadmin:

[0454] *.html

[0455] Master FAX Server (FLOWERS3)

[0456] Administrators group needs full control over directoryC:\ToBeFaxed. This way, \\FLOWERS3\FAXWorkServer account and also\\FLOWERS1\CFService (both part of Administrators group) have thenecessary (RWD) (RWD) permissions on all deposited fax files. (batchprocess running on FLOWERS1 later deletes these files)

[0457] Shares

[0458] \\FLOWERS3\c:\ToBeFaxed needs to be as ToBeFaxed so thatapplication server (FLOWERS1) can deposit and later delete fax files.UNC mapping is done in <root>\admin\application.cfm with parameterFAXDirectory as \\FLOWERS3.proflowers.com\ToBeFaxed. This parameterneeds to be changed if the master fax server is moved to a differentmachine.

[0459] The Administrators group needs Change permission on share.

[0460] Cold Fusion

[0461] The Cold Fusion service must run under an account other than thelocal system account. This is so that access permissions and shares onthe drive attached to the fax master server (share ToBeFaxed, physicaldrive \\FLOWERS3\c:\ToBeFaxed) can be set appropriately.

[0462] The Cold Fusion service is setup to run under the CFServiceaccount. CFService must be part of the Administrators group.

[0463] Master FAX Server (FLOWERS3)

[0464] All conversion services (WorkServer1, WorkServer2) must run underthe FAXWorkServer account, which must be part of the Administratorsgroup. This allows fax files to be picked up from the drive shared withFLOWERS1 (share name ToBeFaxed; physical drive \\FLOWERS3\c:\ToBeFaxed)and converted to fax format by one of the work servers.

[0465] UPGRADE/MAINTENANCE NOTES

[0466] This section details any special considerations that must betaken when upgrading or maintaining any of the installed softwarecomponents.

[0467] Cold Fusion

[0468] Make sure that the Cold Fusion service runs under the localaccount CFService. This is necessary for Cold Fusion to be able tocreate files on share ToBeFaxed.

[0469] IP Address Changes

[0470] If the address of any machine changes, DNS on FLOWERS3 needs tobe updated accordingly. In addition, the following must be considered:

[0471] 1. FLOWERS2, SMTP Server: change relay security options to allowmail relay from FLOWERS1

[0472] 2. FLOWERS3, master fax server: make sure LCR table on FLOWERS3reflects any IP address changes

[0473] 3. FLOWERS4/FLOWERS5, slave fax servers: make sure LCR table onFLOWERS3 reflects any IP address changes

[0474] 4. FLOWERS1: change Proflowers Web site IP address address(Microsoft Management Console, right-click on Proflowers site)

[0475] 5. FLOWERS1: change SSL certificate IP address (MicrosoftManagement Console, right-click on Proflowers site, properties;directory security, key manager)

[0476] If IP address of DNS server changes, a DNS Server change requestmust be submitted to InterNIC at www.internic.net.

[0477] Fax Architecture

[0478] Refer to hand-drawn diagram

[0479] Master FAX Server Failure

[0480] In case of a master FAX server failure (i.e., failure ofFLOWERS3), the following steps should be followed in order to makeFLOWERS4 a temporary master FAX server:

[0481] 1. change parameter FAXDirectory on application server (FLOWERS1)in <root>\admin\application.cfm to point to\\FLOWERS4.proflowers.com\ToBeFaxed (make sure that Administrators grouphas Change permission on share ToBeFaxed and (RWD) (RWD) permission ondirectory/files). Make sure that FLOWERS4 has the RightFAX PostScriptconverter installed.

[0482] 2. change FAXPrinter parameter in\\FLOWERS1\<root>\admin\application.cfm to \\FLOWERS4\PSFAX

[0483] 3. if possible, increase the Internet bandwidth on FLOWERS4 toT-1 speed since files that need to be deposited on \\FLOWERS4\ToBeFaxedby FLOWERS1 for fax conversion are over 600 KB in size.

[0484] Fax Database Corruption

[0485] In case of fax database corruption on master fax server(FLOWERS3), consult RightFAX Administration Guide, page 120, ff. If thedatabase is non-recoverable, reinstall RightFAX with install option“install a blank database”. In this case, new bump codes must beobtained from RightFAX Technical Support (click on RightFAX Servercontrol panel applet on FLOWERS3).

[0486] If any of the control panel applets are missing, make sure theappropriate control panel dll's are available (e.g.,\WINNT\SYSTEM32\work_ctl.dll for the work servers)

[0487] SERVER TASKS

[0488] FLOWERS1—Web Server

[0489] Location

[0490] San Diego

[0491] DNS entries

[0492] flowers1.proflowers.com, www.proflowers.com, proflowers.comsecure.proflowers.com (for SSL—Proflowers) Service Description MS IIS4.0 Microsoft Internet Information Server - Web Server, FTP Service ColdFusion Professional Application logic and batch processing ApplicationServer 3.1 SSL Secure Socket Layer, VeriSign Certificate Jasc ImageRobot GIF to EPS/Postscript conversion Diskeeper NTFS filede-fragmentation McAfee Netshield Virus scanning and protection NTResource Kit 4.0 Task scheduling WinZip 6.1 File decompression FarallonTimbuktu Server remote control Crystal Reports Cold Fusion reportgeneration FedEx ShipAPI Connection to FedEx MS SMTP Service SMTP mailrelay (secondary/backup for FLOWERS2)

[0493] FLOWERS2—Database Server

[0494] Location

[0495] San Diego

[0496] DNS entries Service Description MS SQL Server 6.5 Databaseservice MS SMTP Service SMTP mail relay service MS IIS 4.0 MicrosoftInternet Information Server - Web Server (disabled - used for backup andremote configuration), FTP Service CyberCash Payment and Real-timecredit card processing Admin Server Adobe Acrobat Reader Viewer to readCyberCash documentation Diskeeper NTFS file de-fragmentation McAfeeNetshield Virus scanning and protection WinZip 6.1 File decompressionSeagate/Arcada Backup Daily/weekly tape backup Exec Farallon TimbuktuServer remote control

[0497] FLOWERS3—Master FAX Server

[0498] Location

[0499] San Diego

[0500] DNS entries

[0501] flowers3.proflowers.com Service Description RightFAX Enterprise5.x fax service RightEAX PostScript PostScript conversion moduleconverter WinZip 6.1 File decompression Diskeeper NTFS filede-fragmentation Farallon Timbuktu Server remote control

[0502] FLOWERS4—Slave FAX Server

[0503] Also serves as fail-over for master FAX server.

[0504] Location

[0505] San Diego

[0506] DNS entries

[0507] flowers4.proflowers.com Service Description RightFAX Enterprise5.x fax service RightFAX PostScript PostScript conversion moduleconverter WinZip 6.1 File decompression Diskeeper NTFS filede-fragmentation Farallon Timbuktu Server remote control

[0508] FLOWERS5—Slave FAX Server

[0509] Location

[0510] San Francisco

[0511] DNS entries

[0512] flowers5.proflowers.com Service Description RightFAX Enterprise5.x fax service WinZip 6.1 File decompression Diskeeper NTFS filede-fragmentation Farallon Timbuktu Server remote control

[0513] Backups

[0514] The following files and directories need to be backed up on aregular basis: Computer Directory Description Schedule FLOWERS1 F:\BMAOApplication files, Daily FedEx labels FLOWERS2 F:\SQLDevices\back SQLServer database Daily, up dump after 10:00 PM FLOWERS2 C:\cybercashCyberCash database, Daily merchant configuration, logs, . . . FLOWERS3C:\NTBind\ DNS files Daily DNSData C:\WINNT\ NAMED.BOOT

[0515] Rotation Schedule

[0516] Weekly full backup and daily incremental backup are scheduled for10:30 PM. The weekly full backup runs on Monday night and erases thetape. Thus, a new tape should be inserted on Monday anytime betweenmidnight and 10:00 PM.

[0517] The daily incremental backup runs every night and appends to thetape. Thus, any backup tape contains a full backup, augmented by sixsets of daily incremental backups.

[0518] Note, that there is a heavy load on the servers during thenightly batch order processing, which starts at 1:00 a.m. During thistime period, processing of other tasks should be minimized.

[0519] Maintenance Tasks FLOWERS1 Task Detail Schedule Check Error LogBackOffice daily Check batch processing F:\bmao\log daily logs Correctbatch settlement F:\bmao\log\BatchSettle.html daily errors, if anyCyberCash admin from BackOffice Check NT Event Viewer NT Control Paneldaily Check Cold Fusion Mail C:\apps\cfusion\mail\log weekly and Serverlogs C:\apps\cfusion\log Delete Cold Fusion logsC:\apps\cfusion\mail\log monthly C:\apps\cfusion\log

[0520] FLOWERS2 Task Detail Schedule Check NT Event Viewer NT ControlPanel daily Delete SQL Server C:\MSSQL\log monthly maintenance reportsCheck/delete CyberCash C:\CyberCash\logs monthly logs Export CyberCashorders C:\CyberCash\export\BMAO monthly use CyberCash administrator fromBackOffice

[0521] URL Access to Application

[0522] Product Directory: www.proflowers.com

[0523] proflowers.com

[0524] Optional referrer tracking:www.proflowers.com/index.cfm?REF=<aaa>

[0525] e.g.: www.proflowers.com/index.cfm?REF=Yahoo (the ref variable<aaa> can be up to 20 characters long—letters, numbers, and “−” only, nospaces unless they are in URL-encoded format (e.g., REF=Bernd+Lutz)—andis stored in the order table, FL_order as well as in FL_clickThru)

[0526] Click-thru tracking:

[0527] http://204.132.117.151:88/ss?click&ProFlowers&<watch_code>

[0528] e.g.,

[0529] http://204.132.117.151:88/ss?click&ProFlowers&3517e5be

[0530] Order Tracking: www.proflowers.com/orderTracking.cfm

[0531] BackOffice: www.proflowers.com/admin

[0532] Email: info@proflowers.com

[0533] Price Sensitivity of Order

[0534] A product price change issued from within the BackOffice has thefollowing effect on the order process:

[0535] 1 any new order started after the price change will immediatelyuse the new price

[0536] 2 an order in progress will exhibit the following behavior:

[0537] the price stays the same throughout the order process, i.e., theold price is being used. However, if the customer waits for more than 20minutes before pushing the ‘Finish Order’ button, the screenautomatically switches to the order edit form, which then reflects thenew price. If no action is taken for an additional 20 minutes, thescreen switches to the product directory.

[0538] while the price stays constant throughout a straight orderprocess, it always changes to the most current price if and when theorder is modified (i.e., the ‘Modify Order’ button is pushed’).

[0539] Note, that at all times, the price displayed in the order receiptand/or order confirmation screen is the actual price that the customerpays.

[0540] Multiple Supplier Fax Machines

[0541] Fax machine numbers are entered through the BackOffice (InsertNew Supplier or Work With Supplier). Up to four fax numbers areavailable to be entered. The entry fields are sequential. The programcounts, from left to right, the number of non-empty fax fields. It stopscounting as soon as if finds an empty field. Thus, if fax fields one,two and four have entries, only the first two are accounted for. Theprogram then sets field NrOfFaxMachines in table FL_supplier with thenumber of fax numbers (i.e., two in the case above).

[0542] During real-time order processing (cfm\orderform3.cfm) and batchorder processing (admin\batchOrderProcessing.cfm), each of the availablefax numbers is selected randomly (see cfm\notifySupplier.cfm).

[0543] Packing List/Greeting Message Template

[0544] The template for the packing list and greeting card message is infile <root>\misc\FAXTemplate.doc

[0545] To edit the template, use WordPad (not MS Word since itsPostScript output is undesirable and Word '97 reformats the documentsuch that it can no longer be read by WordPad). Make sure to set thedocument margins correctly; the left margin must be at 1 inch.

[0546] To generate the template that is used for PostScript conversion,i.e., substitution of the tokens with the actual order values, print thetemplate document on the Apple LaserWriter printer (which should be setto output to file) to file <root>\misc\FAXTemplate.ps. Make sure to usea legal page size! If not possible, change page size in FAXTemplate.psto Legal.

[0547] The Cold Fusion custom tag CFX_NotifySupplierPS converts thePostScript template to actual content. CFX_EPSPostProcess scales theassociated EPS graphic (i.e., FedEx waybill label), adds the necessaryPostScript codes, and appends it to the converted template file (see<root>\admin\batchNotifySupplier).

[0548] Credit Card Processing

[0549] Credit cards are always verified for correct format. Real-timeverification and processing is done through CyberCash for orders withnext day delivery, i.e., those orders that are faxed immediately(actually, there is a delay of up to 15 minutes, depending on theschedule frequency of <root>\admin\batchNotifySupplier.cfm) to theappropriate supplier for fulfillment.

[0550] Delayed orders, i.e., any orders placed after the supplier cutofftime, are verified for proper credit card format only and thenauthorized during the nightly order batch processing run the nightbefore delivery. This process has the following advantages:

[0551] 1. Avoidance of duplicate authorizations and the associated bankfees.

[0552] 2. Faster online processing performance (no connection toCyberCash).

[0553] 3. Orders with expired bank authorization (this may happen asearly as five days after the initial authorization, i.e., placement oforder) would have to be re-authorized under a different order ID.Besides being confusing and becoming an order tracking nightmare, thiswould also result in additional bank charges.

[0554] Storage of Credit Card Data

[0555] Credit card information, i.e., credit card number and expirationdate, is only stored during the current user session and for up to 20minutes of inactivity. The data is stored in session memory and not inthe database.

[0556] For delayed orders, credit card information has to be availableat the time of order processing (the night before delivery). Therefore,the necessary data is stored in table FL_tempCCData only until then andimmediately deleted once the order has been processed.

[0557] System Operations

[0558] The following tasks should be performed on a daily/weekly basisby trained operations personnel. These tasks do not include technicalsystems administration responsibilities, which are described elsewherein this document.

[0559] All operational tasks are performed from within the BackOffice.

[0560] Daily Tasks

[0561] Processing Errors—check for any batch processing oronline/real-time errors that may have occurred during the night orduring the (previous) day. Take appropriate action.

[0562] Daily Logs—review all current logs and take appropriate action

[0563] Reports—compare Audit Report data with what actually has beenshipped by the growers

[0564] Weekly Tasks

[0565] TBD

[0566] Monthly Tasks

[0567] 1. Remove previous month's log files (<root>\log)

[0568] Click-thru Tracking

[0569] Table FL_clickThru keeps track of referral code, date, and timefor each click-thru that is coded in the following format:

[0570]http://www.proflowers.com/index.cfm?REF=<whatever+banner+code+Vou+want

[0571] e.g., http://www.proflowers.com/index.cfm?REF=123Greetings-trycp

[0572] Note, that the referral code will be truncated to the first 20characters. no funny characters or spaces are allowed (unless the latterare coded in URL-encoded format, such as REF=Bernd+Lutz).

[0573] Note, that each time index.cfm is called with the referral codeparameter, an associated click-thru entry is made in FL_clickThru, evenif this happens within the same user session. Alternative coding wouldbe possible to only write a single click-thru entry within the samesession.

[0574] Product Maintenance

[0575] Product appearance and Web viewing ability is determined by threefactors:

[0576] 1. Product display sequence

[0577] 2. Product association with occasion and flower type

[0578] 3. Product inventory

[0579] #1 and #2 above are set within the product insert or edit pages,while #3 is accomplished with the Inventory feature. A product with adisplay sequence number of 255 is non-viewable by the Web user. The onlyexception to this rule is for the two products with the lowest displaysequence number. These two products always show up on the home page.

[0580] Only products with inventory assigned to them can be ordered.

[0581] All the steps outlined below are administered from theBackOffice.

[0582] Adding a New Product

[0583] 1. Insert new product—make sure to associate product with atleast one occasion and/or flower type. The product display sequencenumber determines the relative display sequence, i.e., a product with asequence number of 10 will be displayed before a product with sequencenumber 20. Assign a picture file for the detail/full picture and one forthe thumbnail view. Except for the top two products (in terms of displaysequence), there will not be a broken picture link if there is nopicture available; the (non-existing) picture will simply be ignored.However, if the product happens to be among the top two displayproducts, a broken picture link will appear on the home page if there isno thumbnail picture.

[0584] A product with a display sequence number of 255 is non-viewableby the Web user.

[0585] 2. Add inventory for product (Inventory feature)—unless theproduct is in the inventory of at least one supplier, it can not beordered (a message indicating no current inventory will be displayed tothe Web user).

[0586] Removing a Product

[0587] Work with Product—edit the product and remove all associationswith occasion or flower type. Unless the product happens to be among thetop two displayed products, it will not be visible to the Web user.

[0588] To permanently remove a product, delete it. In this case, theassociated inventory should be deleted as well. Make sure to checkwhether there are future orders for the product before deleting it orelse the delayed order batch process will cancel the order and notifythe customer via email of non-existing inventory.

[0589] Setting the Display Sequence of a Product

[0590] Whenever there is more than one product in the set of products tobe displayed (e.g., show all roses), the order by which each product isdisplayed is determined by its relative display sequence. For example, aproduct with display sequence of 10 will be positioned ahead of one withsequence 20. For identical numbers, random positioning takes place.

[0591] To view the exact position of each product, goto “Work WithProduct”. The product list is shown in order of display sequence. Note,that while the top two products always appear on the home page,regardless of whether they have any flowertype or occasion associationsand irrespective of their absolute display sequence number, a productcan only be viewed by the Web user if its display sequence is less than255. A product with a display sequence number of 255 is non-viewable bythe Web user. Products that are non-viewable are marked by a redasterisk.

[0592] Data Maintenance

[0593] To ensure proper operations of certain features, it is importantto accurately maintain associated data. Details are described below. Alltasks are administered from the BackOffice.

[0594] Occasion

[0595] These are the occasions listed in the pull-downs on the Webnavigation bar. They are also listed in BackOffice product insertion andediting.

[0596] Flower Type

[0597] These are the flower types listed in the pull-downs on the Webnavigation bar. They are also listed in BackOffice product insertion andediting.

[0598] Holiday

[0599] Holidays (e.g., Valentine's Day, Mother's Day) must accuratelyreflect the month and day of their next appearance.

[0600] Data is used by Reminder Service.

[0601] Problem Type

[0602] Customers contacting Proflowers via the customer serviceform-driven contact feature will be presented with a list of theseproblem types.

[0603] Data is used in customer service contact form.

[0604] Ship Charge

[0605] These are the shipping charges on a state-by-state basis. Theprogram calculates shipping charges from this data for each destinationstate.

[0606] Surcharge

[0607] Surcharges such as Saturday delivery are calculated from thisdata.

[0608] Turning now to FIG. 42 there is shown an illustration of arepresentative courier shipping label including an ornamental graphicdesign, namely, a heart. The idea is that while couriers may have usedsome ornamentation in having their own hard-copy labels printed, e.g.,the use of the colors and corporate logos on printed waybills, suchprinting has not been generated at the computer of a shipper and/orunder the selection and/or control of one other than the courier. Thesame can be said for greeting cards—these may have been the domain ofthose who compose them as a product in themselves, in contrast to beinggenerated by those engaged in a particular shipment. Similarly, packinglists have not been known as the subject of much by way ofornamentation.

[0609] Under the present invention, the printer device of whoever isdoing the shipping is a key feature, e.g., the printer 50 or a printerat the Consumer Ordering System 2, if that be the system carrying outthe particular shipment at issue. One option is for the courier tocommunicate the graphical ornamentation when communicating the digitalsignals for the shipping label (the name and address of the sender,recipient, etc.) from the Courier Shipping System 41 to whoever will begenerating the hard copy shipping label and who will also be doing ashipment pursuant to the shipping label. For example, by utilizing suchsoftware as the popular FedEx (Federal Express) Ship software or thelike at a printer device remote from the Courier Shipping System 41,e.g., any user's/shipper's computer ordering a shipment or adistribution center carrying out such a shipment, the remotely generatedshipping label can be given a decorated appearance.

[0610] Color printing signals may also be employed where the localprinter generating the label is a color printer. Optionally, such codecan be operated or controlled at any or all of the following:

[0611] Consumer Ordering System 2, Order Center System 26, FinancialInstitution System 33, Courier Shipping System 41, and/or a computer(not shown in FIG. 1) connected to the printer 50 at the DistributionCenter System 51 in FIG. 1. Whichever computer system(s) is(are) atissue, the graphical element can be added to the greeting card, packinglist, or courier label, or any combination thereof, and preferably onthe sheet 57 for separation into respective pieces as discussed above.

[0612] Such a graphic design can be generated by computer running suchcode as that set forth below.

[0613] ‘See if we need to print any holiday graphics

[0614] pdteDDate=Data(“DeliveryDate”) & vbNullString

[0615] ‘Valentines Day graphics

[0616] If Month(pdteDDate)=2 And Day(pdteDDate)=14 Then

[0617] .DrawPicture LoadResPicture(4003, vbResBitmap), 4000, 6650

[0618] ‘maplPrintLocs(PL_HOLIDAY).Left, maplPrintLocs(PL_HOLIDAY).Top

[0619] Elself Month(pdteDDate)=5 And Weekday(pdteDDate)=vbSaturday Then

[0620] ‘Check for Mothers Day

[0621] If Day(pdteDDate)>6 And Day(pdteDDate)<14 Then

[0622] .DrawPicture LoadResPicture(4002, vbResBitmap), 4000, 6650

[0623] ‘map PrintLocs(PL_HOLIDAY). Left, maplPrintLocs(PL_HOLIDAY).Top

[0624] End If

[0625] Elself Month(pdteDDate)=12 And Day(pdteDDate)=24 Then

[0626] ‘Christmas Graphic

[0627] .DrawPicture LoadResPicture(4005, vbResBitmap), 4000, 6650’

[0628] maplPrintLocs(PL_HOLIDAY).Left, maplPrintLocs(PL_HOLIDAY).Top

[0629] This code can be located in the pfPrint project in VSS (see,e.g., Appendix of Ser. No. 09/149,650, incorporated by reference).

[0630] In such an embodiment, the invention can be considered as amethod for generating an ornamental design on a courier shipping labelat a non-courier printer in connection with printing the label for aparticular shipment specified on the label, the method including thesteps of: assigning shipping information signals corresponding to ashipping label for a particular shipment with a digital electricalcomputer shipping apparatus; transmitting the shipping informationsignals corresponding to the shipping label for the particular shipmentto a non-courier printer device; combining the shipping informationsignals corresponding to the shipping label for the particular shipmentwith signals corresponding to an ornamental design; and printing theshipping label for the particular shipment at the non-courier printerdevice including an ornamental design.

[0631] In any of the foregoing, the method can be carried out so thatthe ornamental design includes a heart, a wreath, or another holidaysymbol, and even a first design that includes a second design, whereinthe designs may or may not be printed in color, as may be desired.Preferably the ornamental design is a bit map, not including a logo,shipment, or courier information. The method can further include thestep of controlling addition of the design to the shipping label at anordering system computer, at an ordering center system computer, at afinancial institution system computer, and/or at a distribution centersystem.

[0632] Indeed, the invention encompasses generating an ornamental designon a sheet including a member from a group consisting of a couriershipping label, a greeting card, and a packing list, the member printedat a shipper printer device in connection with a particular shipment,the method including the steps of: assigning digital electrical signalscorresponding to a member of the group for a particular shipment;transmitting the digital electrical signals corresponding to the memberof the group for the particular shipment to a shipper printer device;combining the digital electrical signals corresponding to the member ofthe group for the particular shipment with signals corresponding to anornamental design; and printing the member of the group, including theornamental design, for the particular shipment at the shipper printerdevice.

[0633] Another way of viewing the invention is as method for generatingan ornamental design on a sheet including a member from a groupconsisting of a courier shipping label, a greeting card, and a packinglist, the member printed at a shipper printer device in connection witha particular shipment including at least two members of the group, themethod including the steps of: assigning digital electrical signalscorresponding to a member of the group for a particular shipment;transmitting the digital electrical signals corresponding to the memberof the group for the particular shipment to a shipper printer device;combining the digital electrical signals corresponding to the member ofthe group for the particular shipment with signals corresponding to anornamental design; and printing the member of the group, including theornamental design, for the particular shipment at the shipper printerdevice. Preferably, at least two members are printed on the same sheet,and better still, all the members are printed on the same sheet. Alsopreferable is to have a step of combining ornamental design signals withsignals for printing another member of the group, if not each member ofthe group, and depending upon the embodiment at issue, to have thedesign be the same on whatever of the members are at issue.

[0634] Turning now to FIG. 43, there is an illustration ofrepresentative printing the graphical element, including for a greetingcard, for a packing list, and for a courier shipping label includingrespective ornamental graphic designs. In FIG. 43, the designs include aChristmas wreath, a heart, and a heart with the word “MOM” writtentherein, e.g., a first design with a second design therein. Any suchholiday graphical element can be selectable at the above-referencedcomputers for graphic ornamentation of a greeting message, courierlabel, packing list, and/or the like that is computer-generatedpreferably at a shipper's location (such as a distribution center),e.g., by using shipping label data assigned by/from a carrier computer.On the shipping label, such bit maps can utilize areas on the sheet thatare not utilized for scanning shipping data. Said graphical designs aredistinct from information used for the shipment, billing, identificationof parties involved, etc., and the purpose is not functional as regardsthe shipment. For example, the particular kind of flowers can be used asthe design wherever on the sheet as may be desired, or the contents ofthe box can also be illustrated with the graphical element or design.Therefore, there can be more than an ornamental utility in utilizingsuch designs as customizable elements or messages—the designs and/ortheir location can assist in sorting the shipments or packages, e.g., sothat personal Valentine's Day gifts can be conveniently sorted frombusiness communications, items such as fresh food that requiresrefrigeration can be illustrated distinct from items that do not requirerefrigeration, etc.

VII. Conclusion

[0635] While a particular embodiment of the present invention has beendisclosed with a preferred application to flowers, it is to beunderstood that various different applications and modifications arepossible and are within the true spirit of the invention, the scope ofwhich is to be determined with reference to the claims set forth below.Of course, the invention can be carried out by using multiple computersor by using the same computer to handle operations sequentially, aswould be equivalent under the circumstances—software embodiments beingequivalent to hardwired embodiments, as is well known in the art. Thereis no intention, therefore, to limit the invention to the exactdisclosure presented herein as a teaching of one embodiment of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A method for generating an ornamental design on a couriershipping label at a non-courier printer in connection with printing thelabel for a particular shipment specified on the label, the methodincluding the steps of: assigning shipping information signalscorresponding to a shipping label for a particular shipment with adigital electrical computer shipping apparatus; transmitting theshipping information signals corresponding to the shipping label for theparticular shipment to a non-courier printer device; combining theshipping information signals corresponding to the shipping label for theparticular shipment with signals corresponding to an ornamental design;and printing the shipping label for the particular shipment at thenon-courier printer device including an ornamental design.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the ornamental design includes a heart.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the ornamental design includes a wreath. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the ornamental design is printed incolor.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the ornamental design is aprinting of bit map, said bit map not including a logo, shipment, orcourier information.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the ornamentaldesign is a first design and said first design includes a second design.7. The method of claim 1, further including the step of controllingaddition of the design to the shipping label at an ordering systemcomputer.
 8. The method of claim 1, further including the step ofcontrolling addition of the design to the shipping label at an orderingcenter system computer.
 9. The method of claim 1, further including thestep of controlling addition of the design to the shipping label at afinancial institution system computer.
 10. The method of claim 1,further including the step of controlling addition of the design to theshipping label at a distribution center system.
 11. A method forgenerating an ornamental design on a sheet including a member from agroup consisting of a courier shipping label, a greeting card, and apacking list, the member printed at a shipper printer device inconnection with a particular shipment, the method including the stepsof: assigning digital electrical signals corresponding to a member ofthe group for a particular shipment; transmitting the digital electricalsignals corresponding to the member of the group for the particularshipment to a shipper printer device; combining the digital electricalsignals corresponding to the member of the group for the particularshipment with signals corresponding to an ornamental design; andprinting the member of the group, including the ornamental design, forthe particular shipment at the shipper printer device.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the ornamental design includes a heart.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein the ornamental design includes a wreath.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the ornamental design is printed in color.15. The method of claim 11, wherein the ornamental design is a printingof bit map, said bit map not including a logo, shipment, or courierinformation.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the ornamental designis a first design and said first design includes a second design. 17.The method of claim 11, further including the step of controllingaddition of the design at an ordering system computer.
 18. The method ofclaim 11, further including the step of controlling addition of thedesign at an ordering center system computer.
 19. The method of claim11, further including the step of controlling addition of the design ata financial institution system computer.
 20. The method of claim 11,further including the step of controlling addition of the design at adistribution center system.
 21. A method for generating an ornamentaldesign on a sheet including a member from a group consisting of acourier shipping label, a greeting card, and a packing list, the memberprinted at a shipper printer device in connection with a particularshipment including at least two members of the group, the methodincluding the steps of: assigning digital electrical signalscorresponding to a member of the group for a particular shipment;transmitting the digital electrical signals corresponding to the memberof the group for the particular shipment to a shipper printer device;combining the digital electrical signals corresponding to the member ofthe group for the particular shipment with signals corresponding to anornamental design; and printing the member of the group, including theornamental design, for the particular shipment at the shipper printerdevice.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein said at least two membersare printed on the same sheet.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein allsaid members are printed on the same sheet.
 24. The method of claim 20,further including the steps of: combining ornamental design signals withsignals for printing another member of the group; and printing themember of the group, including the ornamental design, for the particularshipment at the shipper printer device.
 25. A method for using a digitalelectrical computer apparatus located at an order center for shipping aproduct from a remotely located distribution center, the methodincluding the steps of: producing output electrical signals representinga packing list for an order of a product by causing an order centerapparatus located at an order center to change input digital electricalsignals into the output digital electrical signals, the order centerapparatus including a digital electrical computer having a processor,the processor electrically connected to a memory device for storing andretrieving machine-readable signals in the memory device, to an inputdevice for receiving input data and converting the input data into theinput electrical signals, and to an output device for receiving theoutput electrical signals, and wherein the processor is controlled by acomputer program to implement the step of producing; assigning shippinginformation signals to the order with a digital electrical computershipping apparatus; linking, by digital communication, the signalsrepresenting the packing list with the shipping information signals;transmitting the signals representing the packing list to, and receivingthe signals representing the packing list at, a printer device at adistribution center located remotely from the order center; printing thepacking list at the printer device at the distribution center; andshipping the product specified by the packing list, in accordance withthe shipping information signals, from the distribution center. enteringmore of the input data at the input device to produce more of the outputelectrical signals representing a customized message received from anordering system for communication to a recipient of the product; thestep of linking includes linking, by digital communication, the signalsrepresenting packing list with the signals representing the customizedelement; the step of transmitting includes transmitting the signalsrepresenting the customized element, along with the shipping informationsignals, to the printer device at the distribution center; the step ofprinting includes printing the customized graphical element, along withthe packing list and a shipping label, at the printing device at thedistribution center; and the step of shipping is carried out by shippingthe customized graphical element, along with the product, from thedistribution center.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step ofprinting includes printing the message and the graphical element on agreeting card.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of printingis carried out by locating a sheet in the printer, the sheet including agreeting card for the message and having preprinted artwork anddemarcations for detaching the greeting card from the packing list andthe shipping label; and wherein the step of shipping includes separatingthe packaging list, the shipping information, and the greeting card bytearing the sheet at the demarcations.